Cherry Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake (Print Version)

Mini cheesecakes with cranberry-cherry swirl over a crisp graham crust—ideal for gatherings or sweet cravings.

# Components:

→ Fruit Swirl

01 - 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1/2 cup pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon water
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Graham Cracker Crust

06 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

09 - 450 grams cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 1/4 cup sour cream
14 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fruit is tender and mixture has thickened, approximately 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then process until smooth. Set aside.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Distribute one heaping teaspoon of the mixture into each prepared liner and press firmly to create a base.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and salt until just combined.
05 - Spoon the cheesecake batter into each liner, filling them nearly to the top.
06 - Place 1/2 teaspoon of the fruit puree onto the surface of each cheesecake. Gently swirl a toothpick or skewer through the puree and batter to create a marbled effect.
07 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are just set. Allow the cheesecakes to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour of active time
  • Makes 24 perfect portions for sharing at parties
  • Impressive presentation with minimal effort
  • Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience
02 -
  • These bites contain significantly fewer calories than a standard slice of cheesecake
  • The recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your gathering size
  • The red swirl makes these perfect for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Fourth of July celebrations
03 -
  • Let your cream cheese come to room temperature naturally for at least two hours before beginning. Cold cream cheese will never fully incorporate, leaving lumps in your batter no matter how long you beat it.

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