Hi, I’m Marilyn, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. My kitchen has always been filled with the smell of freshly baked sweets, laughter, and the sound of my grandmother’s voice teaching me that food is one of the purest ways to show love. These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are a modern twist on that childhood nostalgia creamy, crumbly, and full of strawberry goodness.
When I first made them, I wanted something elegant enough for guests but simple enough to enjoy on a quiet afternoon. These bite-sized cheesecakes hit the perfect balance. They combine a buttery cookie crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping reminiscent of a classic shortcake all in mini form!
The best part? You don’t need any fancy baking skills. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are absolutely stunning. Each mini cheesecake looks like it came from a bakery yet they’re made with love and simplicity, just like the desserts my grandmother and I used to create together.
Whether for a celebration, picnic, or cozy night in, these Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds). Let’s make something sweet together!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for these delicious Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1 tbsp sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Shortcake Crumble (Optional but Recommended):
½ cup crushed vanilla sandwich cookies
1 tbsp melted butter
For Garnish:
Fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers), melted butter, and sugar until evenly coated. Press about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture into each liner, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. The mixture should be silky and lump-free.
Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly over each crust, filling the liners about ¾ full.
Step 3: Bake the Mini Cheesecakes
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the centers are just set and slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecakes cool inside for 10 minutes to prevent cracking. Then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes syrupy. For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce. Let cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble & Garnish
Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, spoon strawberry topping over each one. Sprinkle with shortcake crumble (if using) and garnish with a small strawberry slice and mint leaf. These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes look so beautiful that your guests will think you spent all day making them!
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are perfect for any occasion from birthdays and bridal showers to lazy Sunday afternoons. Serve them on a dessert tray with mini forks or keep them chilled in mason jars for a picnic-ready treat.
If you want a flavor twist, try using raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little white chocolate on top before serving.
They’re great make-ahead desserts too you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they taste even better after a night of chilling!
Conclusion
There’s something magical about small desserts they make every occasion feel special without overwhelming you. These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes blend everything we love about cheesecake and strawberry shortcake into one delightful bite-sized treat.
They’re rich yet refreshing, creamy yet light, and full of homemade charm. From the first crumbly bite to the last sweet spoonful, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
So next time you want to share something sweet whether for a family gathering or just to treat yourself make these Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes. They’re proof that love, strawberries, and a little creativity can create pure dessert perfection.
Short 100-Word Version (for Recipe Card Section)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are my favorite bite-sized desserts creamy, sweet, and full of strawberry flavor. With buttery crusts, silky cheesecake filling, and a glossy strawberry topping, they’re easy to make yet look like they came straight from a bakery. Perfect for parties, picnics, or any special moment. Each bite tastes like sunshine, love, and a little bit of homemade magic!