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Jungle Mini Cheesecakes

Delightful mini cheesecakes featuring layers of chocolate, cherries, and cream for a nostalgic treat worth sharing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 48 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cherry topping
  • 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon water
For the ganache and serving
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream
  • Squares or Chocolate Tarts
  • Fresh cherries

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a silicone muffin tray or line a traditional muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed.
  3. Press about a tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup.
Cherry Topping
  1. In a small saucepan, mix cherries, sugar, corn starch, and water.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until it thickens. Let it cool.
Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. Spoon cheesecake filling over the chocolate crust.
  4. Drop dollops of cooled cherry topping on top and swirl with a chopstick or toothpick.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the centers are set but slightly jiggly.
  2. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours.
Ganache
  1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers.
  2. Pour over dark chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl and stir until smooth.
  3. Once cooled, drizzle ganache over chilled cheesecakes.
Serving
  1. Top with whipped cream, a square of chocolate, and a fresh cherry before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze for later use. Try using almond extract for a flavor twist or mix in other fruits.