Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to whip up something irresistibly sweet, and these delightful Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes deliver on every front. Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety cheesecake that perfectly balances creamy chocolate and the fresh zing of strawberries, all nestled in a buttery crust. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or treating yourself, these mini cheesecakes offer a charming, indulgent experience that feels both special and approachable. Plus, they’re small enough to polish off without guilt—or to share with that special someone!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

I discovered this recipe during my quest for the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert a few years back, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Each cheesecake is packed with flavor and is surprisingly simple to whip up. The combination of rich cream cheese, sweet strawberry preserves, and the luxurious touch of chocolate ganache gives these mini treats a gourmet feel without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to create a moment of sweetness that your loved ones will rave about for days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just over an hour, with minimal prep time!
Irresistible Flavor: The harmony of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries is divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These mini cheesecakes are adorable and perfect for sharing.
Flexible Serving: Great for parties, intimate dinners, or just a special night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Consider using gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 sleeve (9 cookies, 137 grams) graham crackers: This forms the crunchy base. You can substitute with gluten-free crackers if needed.
3 tablespoons (43 grams) real seal® unsalted butter, melted: Butter binds the crust together and adds richness.
12 ounces (340 grams) real seal® cream cheese, at room temperature: The star of the cheesecake filling, lending that silky texture.
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake—brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
1/2 cup (140 grams) seedless strawberry preserves: Provides that fruity burst. You can swap this for raspberry preserves for a twist!
Red gel food coloring, if desired: Adds a lovely pink hue for visual appeal. This is optional.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
1 large egg: Binds the filling together and gives it a smooth texture.
1/2 cup (85 grams) semisweet chocolate chips: Infuses the ganache with rich chocolate flavor.
1/4 cup real seal® heavy cream: Helps create a luscious ganache; can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
12 small strawberries: Fresh berries for topping, adding a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms, lightly grease a 12-cup mini cheesecake pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.

Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until you achieve a fine crumb. Then, add in the 3 tablespoons of melted real seal® unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened. Distribute about 1 heaping tablespoon of this mixture into each cavity of the cheesecake pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom. This creates a sturdy base for your cheesecakes that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Bake the crusts: Place the crusts in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until fragrant. Remove them from the oven and lower the temperature to 325°F, preparing for the cheesecakes!

Mix the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the 12 ounces of real seal® cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Then, blend in the 1/2 cup strawberry preserves, red gel food coloring (if desired), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.

Add the egg: Gently add the large egg to the cream cheese mixture and beat until just blended. Overmixing can create cracks in your cheesecakes, so proceed with care.

Fill the cavities: Spoon the cream cheese filling into each crust-filled cavity, ensuring even distribution for a consistent bake.

Bake the cheesecakes: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. This will ensure a creamy texture once they’re chilled.

Cool and chill: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature before covering them with plastic wrap. Let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better as it enhances the flavor and texture!

Prepare the chocolate ganache: In a medium heatproof bowl, place the 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips. Heat the 1/4 cup real seal® heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 3 minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool and thicken slightly.

Top and serve: Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, drizzle or spoon the chocolate ganache over the top of each cheesecake, and gently press a small strawberry into the ganache. These charming mini desserts are now ready to impress!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your chocolates strawberry mini cheesecakes later, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they’re well wrapped in plastic wrap for protection. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Although the texture may slightly change when frozen, a quick chill will bring back that delightful bite!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother filling.
Avoid overmixing after adding the egg to prevent cracks in your cheesecakes.
If you’re aiming for a perfectly even cake, consider using a scoop for the filling to keep each portion uniform.
Allow your chocolate ganache to cool before applying it. If it’s too hot, it might melt into the cheesecake rather than sit prettily on top!
For a sweeter topping, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar over the whipped ganache and strawberries.

These Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes are a delightful way to celebrate love, whether for someone special or just for yourself. The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries captures the flavor and spirit of the occasion in a way that’s utterly enjoyable. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner pastry chef, and relish the joy these little treats bring. You might even find yourself making them for every holiday!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! While strawberries shine in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just make sure to use seedless preserves if you’re making a swap.

How do I know when the cheesecakes are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set with a slight jiggle in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool, ensuring a creamy texture.

Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making them a day in advance allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Just store them in the refrigerator, and top with ganache and berries right before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have a mini cheesecake pan?

If you lack a mini cheesecake pan, you can use a standard muffin tin lined with paper liners. Just keep an eye on the baking time since they may require a few adjustments.

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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Treat your loved ones to these Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes. They feature a luscious chocolate flavor and creamy texture, making them the perfect sweet addition for any festive occasion. Easy to prepare, they combine rich cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy graham cracker crust for a delightful dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sleeve (9 cookies, 137 grams) graham crackers
3 tablespoons (43 grams) real seal® unsalted butter, melted
12 ounces (340 grams) real seal® cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (140 grams) seedless strawberry preserves
Red gel food coloring, if desired
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup (85 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup real seal® heavy cream
12 small strawberries

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 12-cup mini cheesecake pan with nonstick spray.
In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined. Divide the mixture into the cheesecake pan cavities, pressing firmly into the bottom of each.
Bake the crusts for 5 minutes until fragrant, then remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 325°F.

Notes

Let the cheesecakes cool completely before removing them from the pan.
For a decorative touch, top each cheesecake with a fresh strawberry and chocolate drizzle.
These mini cheesecakes can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.