Description
Rich and elegant mini cheesecakes featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy hazelnut-infused cheesecake filling, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly portioned for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Divide mixture evenly among liners and press firmly into the bottom to form crusts.
- Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Blend in chocolate hazelnut spread and heavy cream until smooth.
- Divide filling evenly over crusts, filling each nearly to the top.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until centers are set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecakes cool gradually inside.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully chilled.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Spoon ganache over chilled cheesecakes and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks.
- Cheesecakes can be made one day in advance.
- Freeze without topping for up to 2 months.
- Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used but texture will be slightly less rich.
- Graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs can substitute the chocolate cookie crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
