Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and scoop rounded tablespoons of the mixture into each liner, pressing down to form crusts.
- Pre-bake the crust for 8 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy.
- Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until frothy and doubled in size.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Divide the filling among the muffin liners, filling nearly to the top.
Baking
- Bake for 20 minutes, then let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly.
Topping
- Melt the chocolate wafers using a double boiler or microwave in intervals, stirring to ensure smoothness.
- Pour melted chocolate over each cheesecake, then let it set slightly.
- Dip fresh strawberries into the melted chocolate and place them on top of each cheesecake.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and vanilla until just steaming, then stir in finely chopped chocolate until combined.
- Drizzle the ganache over each cheesecake and chill again until ready to serve.
Notes
Consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest for a tangy twist. Prepare filling and crust in advance for efficiency. Adjust chocolate ganache ratio for richness.
