Mini Cheesecakes

Oh my god, I must exercise self control right now. I just came home from work and checked how the mini cheesecakes were doing that I quickly whipped up last night. I only had a few bites before I put it back in the fridge so I wouldn't be tempted trade my workout in for the rest of it.

Confession: I have never made cheesecake. Ever. I've always been too scared that I'll burn the top or that it will fall apart. For that reason, I used a no bake recipe. I've never had a creamier cheesecake. Amazing. While you might judge me for not doing a "real" cheesecake, I think it was wise to do the no bake for my first time. It didn't scare me away and it definitely satisfied my sweet tooth.

I decided these were my Valentines' Day treats. I came up with the idea of cutting strawberries into hearts mainly because I love fresh fruit on my cheesecakes. My favorite of all time is from Junior's in NYC. When I was little, my dad used to bring it home when he was working in the city.

Mini Cheesecakes

*Adapted from All Recipes

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/3 cup butter, melted

- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

- 1 pint heavy whipping cream

- 2 teaspoons lemon juice

- 1/3 cup white sugar

- sprinkle of nutmeg

- strawberries

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in small bowl. Add melted butter and mix well. Press into bottom of 9 inch springform pan (I used mini pans). Chill until firm. (I wish I had added more crumbs to mine so don't be afraid to pack it in)

2. In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and lemon juice together. Add whipping cream and beat until thick. 

3. Add sugar and continue to beat until stiff. 

4. Pour into pans on top of crust. 

5. Chill overnight (or several hours if you don't want to wait that long). 

6. Remove sides of the springform pan. 

7. Cut strawberries into hearts (or put on any topping you'd like) and place on top. Enjoy!

Side note: this is very high in calories and fat so be careful. I like using the mini pans because then I won't be tempted to keep going back for slice after slice.

 On that note, I better go hit up the gym.... :)