Name: Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (134g) graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla wafer cookie crumbs); 2 tbsp (26g) sugar; 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted; 12 ounces (339g) cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup (104g) sugar; 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 lb strawberries, chopped; 3/4 cup (155g) sugar; 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup quartered strawberries; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 69 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love strawberries, then you are absolutely going to adore this Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe. These delightful little cheesecakes are perfectly creamy with a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a vibrant, homemade strawberry sauce that bursts with fresh fruit flavor. They’re the ideal treat to impress friends or simply satisfy your own cravings. Light, luscious, and bursting with strawberry goodness, this recipe brings joy to every bite and is wonderfully easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a crumbly golden brown mixture that looks like finely crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs. The texture is dry and grainy with small clumps throughout. A silver metal spoon is partially buried in the mixture on the right side, with the handle extending out of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with subtle grey veins. The image is bright and clear, focusing closely on the bowl and its crumbly contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe. From the crunchy crust to the silky filling and fresh strawberry topping, every component shines.

Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup/134g): Gives the crust a sweet, crunchy base that holds everything together.
Sugar (2 tbsp and 1/2 cup): Sweetens the crust and the cheesecake filling perfectly without overpowering.
Unsalted butter, melted (4 tbsp/56g): Adds richness to the crust and helps it crisp up beautifully.
Cream cheese, room temperature (12 ounces/339g): The heart of the filling for a creamy and tangy texture.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp/16g): Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling and keeps it smooth.
Sour cream (1/2 cup/115g): Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess for depth.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp plus 1/2 tsp for sauce): Enhances the overall flavor with subtle sweetness.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Binds the filling for structure and richness.
Fresh strawberries, chopped (1/2 lb): The base for the fresh strawberry sauce, packed with natural sweetness.
Sugar for sauce (3/4 cup/155g): Sweetens and thickens the fresh fruit sauce.
Cornstarch (1 1/2 tbsp): Thickens the strawberry sauce to a luscious consistency.
Quartered strawberries (1 cup): Adds texture and visual appeal to the fresh strawberry sauce.

How to Make Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crusts

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (162°C) and lining a cupcake pan with liners. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture firmly into the bottoms of each liner. Bake for 5 minutes, just enough to set the crust, then remove and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Lower your oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and flour on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which helps prevent cracks during baking. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth. Slowly add in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently and scraping the bowl to ensure a creamy, even filling. Pour the filling evenly into the cupcake liners, filling them mostly full.

Step 3: Bake the Mini Cheesecakes

Bake the cheesecakes for 15 minutes, then turn the oven off without opening the door. Leave the cheesecakes inside for an additional 10 minutes to gently finish setting. After that, crack the oven door open and allow them to cool for 15-20 minutes before transferring them to the fridge. Chill for 3 to 4 hours until completely set and firm.

Step 4: Make the Fresh Strawberry Sauce

While the cheesecakes chill, blend the chopped strawberries in a food processor until smooth (strain seeds if you like a silky sauce). In a saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch to remove lumps, then stir in the strawberry puree. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a boil. Let it boil for one minute, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, quartered strawberries, and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate the sauce for 2 to 3 hours to chill and thicken further.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once both the cheesecakes and sauce are fully cooled, gently remove the mini cheesecakes from their liners and top each with generous spoonfuls of the fresh strawberry sauce. Enjoy the beautiful layering of creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors that make this recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe

The image shows several mini cheesecakes in white paper liners arranged closely on a white scalloped-edged plate. Each mini cheesecake has three visible layers: a crumbly brown base layer, a creamy light yellow middle layer, and a glossy red strawberry topping with pieces of strawberries that drip slightly down the sides. The plate rests on a white textured cloth on a white marbled surface. There are fresh strawberries nearby and a blurry jar of strawberry sauce in the background. The overall look is bright and fresh with a focus on the dripping strawberry topping on the cheesecakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

You can elevate your mini cheesecakes by adding fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. These simple garnishes create an inviting visual and add layers of fresh brightness that complement the richness of the cheesecake.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a sophisticated touch, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these mini cheesecakes in individual glass jars or on cute dessert plates with decorative drizzles of strawberry sauce around them. You can also create a strawberry-themed dessert platter with the cheesecakes nestled among whole fresh berries and edible flowers for a delightful spring or summer gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for preparing in advance for your next party or treat.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these later, freeze unfrosted mini cheesecakes on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the fresh strawberry sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, just bring the cheesecakes to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, which helps release their full creamy texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use cookie crumbs other than graham crackers for the crust?

Absolutely! Vanilla wafer or digestive biscuit crumbs are excellent alternatives that offer a slightly different but equally tasty base for the crust.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Mix the filling on low speed to minimize air bubbles and bake at a low temperature. Also, cooling the cheesecakes gradually by leaving the oven door cracked after baking helps reduce cracking.

Is it necessary to chill the strawberry sauce overnight?

Chilling the sauce allows it to thicken and develop deeper flavors, but if you’re short on time, cooling it for a couple of hours will still give good results.

Can I make the sauce sweeter or less sweet?

Definitely! Adjust the sugar in the strawberry sauce to suit your taste—adding less sugar for a more tart flavor or more if you prefer it sweeter.

Are these mini cheesecakes suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! They’re elegant, flavorful, and beautiful, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering where you want to impress.

Final Thoughts

This Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe is one of those sweet treasures that brings joy with every bite. Its creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and fresh fruit topping make it a crowd-pleaser any time of year. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.