Description
Irresistible mini red velvet cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its luxurious layers of creamy filling and rich cocoa base. Chocolate lovers will adore this elegant miniature treat that combines classic southern charm with sophisticated cheesecake technique.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 12 Oreo cookies, crushed (filling removed)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps sour cream
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- Chocolate shavings or red sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Station: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and preheat oven to 325F (160C), ensuring all equipment is ready for precise baking.
- Crust Formation: Combine Oreo crumbs with melted butter, pressing one tablespoon firmly into each liner’s base. Toast crusts for 5 minutes, then cool completely to establish a robust foundation.
- Filling Composition: Whip cream cheese until luxuriously smooth, gradually blending in granulated sugar. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream with minimal agitation, maintaining a delicate texture.
- Color Transformation: Sift cocoa powder into the mixture, then introduce red food coloring, stirring until the batter reaches a vivid crimson tone with uniform consistency.
- Batter Distribution: Carefully fill each crust about three-quarters full, smoothing surfaces with the back of a spoon to create an impeccable finish.
- Thermal Treatment: Bake mini cheesecakes for 18-20 minutes, monitoring for centers that stabilize and cease wobbling when gently nudged. Rest in pan for 10 minutes post-baking.
- Cooling and Setting: Transfer cheesecakes to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal density and structure.
- Artistic Garnishing: Adorn each mini cheesecake with delicate whipped cream or cream cheese frosting swirls. Enhance with chocolate shavings, festive red sprinkles, or a light cocoa powder dusting for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- -Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter to maintain smooth texture and minimize surface cracks during baking.
- -Temperature Control: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure silky, lump-free filling and consistent blending.
- -Moisture Management: Use a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to create humid environment, preventing cheesecake from drying out and cracking.
- -Gentle Handling: Cool cheesecakes gradually by leaving them in the turned-off oven with door slightly open, reducing sudden temperature changes that cause surface imperfections.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg