Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each liner to form a crust.
Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture onto each cooled crust, filling the liners almost to the top.
Top each mini cheesecake with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving, garnishing with fresh mint if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies ahead of time for a party?
Yes, these pies are excellent for making ahead! After baking for just 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C), let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the filling to set perfectly while keeping the graham cracker crust fresh.
What is the best way to ensure the cream cheese filling sets properly in these mini pies?
The key to a firm filling is ensuring your 8 ounces of cream cheese are fully softened before mixing with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Since the cook time is very short (5 minutes), proper chilling after cooling is essential for the heavy cream component to firm up completely.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust ingredients for a gluten-free option in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with an equal amount of finely crushed gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free shortbread cookie crumb. Simply mix it with the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons of melted butter as directed.
