Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes

If you love a delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and the sweet-tart flavor of cherries, you’re in for a treat! These Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes are perfect for any occasion. They are small but packed with flavors, and their cute size makes them easy to serve and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a special dessert at home, these mini cheesecakes will surely impress your guests.

Why Make This Recipe

These Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes are not only tasty but also fun to make! They combine the classic flavors of a Black Forest cake in a bite-sized form. The crunchy Oreo crust, the smooth chocolate cheesecake filling, and the cherry topping create a delightful mix. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a perfect dessert for busy days or gatherings.

How to Make Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

16 Oreo cookies, whole (1 1/2 cups crumbs)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/8 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
3 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
1 cup cherry pie filling
Chocolate flakes or curls, optional

Directions:

Make the Oreo Crust: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Pulse the Oreo cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and pulse to combine. Divide the mixture among the muffin cups and press firmly to form a solid crust.
Prepare the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth. Separately, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture. Carefully fold the cooled, melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling, making sure it’s lukewarm to avoid lumps.
Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes: Divide the chocolate cheesecake filling evenly over the Oreo crusts in each muffin cup. Refrigerate overnight to set.
Make the Whipped Cream Topping: Beat cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe whipped cream onto each mini cheesecake, then top with cherry pie filling and sprinkle with chocolate flakes or curls if desired.

How to Serve Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes

To serve, simply remove the mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter. They are best enjoyed chilled, so keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The combination of cherry pie filling and whipped cream makes them a delightful treat for anyone!

How to Store Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes

You can store any leftover mini cheesecakes in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They can last for up to five days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the cheesecakes and leave off the whipped cream topping and cherry filling until you’re ready to serve them.

Tips to Make Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes

Make sure the cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t skip chilling them overnight. This helps the cheesecakes set properly.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cherry pie filling based on your preference.

Variation

If you want to change things up, you can swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. You can also use different types of cookies for the crust, like chocolate chip cookies or graham crackers.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! It’s best to freeze them without the toppings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to two months.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

3. How can I make these mini cheesecakes gluten-free?
To make these cheesecakes gluten-free, use gluten-free Oreo cookies for the crust.

Enjoy making and eating these delightful Black Forest Mini Cheesecakes! They are sure to become a favorite in your dessert lineup.