Rasberry chocolat mini cheesecakes

Raspberry Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreo crumbs work great, with filling removed)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- For the Raspberry Topping:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or raspberry puree (see notes for homemade option)
Optional: Fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Use a small glass or spoon to pack it down firmly.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated (don’t overmix).
- Gently fold in the melted chocolate until fully combined.
- Fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much.
- Spoon the filling over the cooled crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
3. Bake the Cheesecakes:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.
4. Add the Raspberry Topping:
- Once chilled, top each mini cheesecake with a spoonful of raspberry jam or puree.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings if desired.
Tips:
- For a homemade raspberry puree, blend 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp water. Strain to remove seeds, then simmer until thickened.
- Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy these rich, creamy, and fruity mini cheesecakes!