If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both simple and delightful, these Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes are just what you need. With a crisp vanilla wafer base, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cupcakes are sure to impress without the fuss.
Steps
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare 24 muffin cups with foil liners.
- For the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup.
- To make the filling, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Evenly distribute this filling into the muffin cups over the crust.
- Bake the cupcakes in the oven until the tops are golden and slightly cracked, approximately 10 minutes.
- Once baked, take the cupcakes out of the oven and allow them to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
- After cooling, top each cupcake with a spoonful of cherry pie filling before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of whipped cream cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for Entire Recipe | Calories: 4368 | Total Fat: 288g | Saturated Fat: 168g | Cholesterol: 1176mg | Sodium: 3648mg | Total Carbohydrate: 432g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 216g | Protein: 48g | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 0mg | Potassium: 936mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping?
- Yes, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings, such as blueberry or strawberry pie filling, to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Is it necessary to use foil liners for the muffin cups?
- While foil liners help maintain the structure of the cupcakes, you can also use paper liners. Just ensure the cupcakes have cooled sufficiently before removing them from the liners to prevent sticking.
- Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese?
- Yes, regular cream cheese can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to soften it to room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling.
- How should I store leftover cherry cheesecake cupcakes?
- Store any remaining cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze cherry cheesecake cupcakes?
- Yes, you can freeze these cupcakes. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips
- For a firmer crust, ensure that you press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the muffin cups. This will help the crust hold together better once baked.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding the cherry pie filling on top. This will help the topping set properly without sliding off.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. This will add a subtle, refreshing citrus note that complements the cherries well.
- If you prefer a less sweet topping, try using fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling. Simply pit and halve the cherries, then layer them on top of the cooled cupcakes for a fresher taste.
Equipment
- Muffin Pan (24-cup capacity or two 12-cup pans)
- Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Foil Muffin Liners
