Mini Cheesecake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These mini cheesecakes are great for parties and are much easier to serve than a whole cheesecake! They are delicious, creamy, and flavorful. I made these for a Pokemon-themed birthday party and they were a hit! The recipe is inspired by Philadelphia Cream Cheese's recipe for mini cheesecakes and The Baker Chick's recipe for Apple Cider Cupcakes.

Ingredients:

Cheesecake Cupcakes:

1 1/3 c graham cracker crumbs

1 c plus 2 tbsp sugar, divided

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

24-oz cream cheese (4 packs), softened

1 1/3 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 large eggs

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 c unsalted butter

8-oz cream cheese, softened

4 c powdered sugar (448 g)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Splash of heavy whipping cream

Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2) Combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp sugar and butter. Press onto the bottoms of 24 paper-lined muffin cups (Don't forget to spray your liners with cooking spray!). 3) Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and remaining sugar with mixer until blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing on low speed. Spoon over crusts. 4) Bake cupcakes for 25-30 min. or until internal temperature is 150 degrees F. Cool completely. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Pokeball Mini Cheesecakes

For the Frosting: 1) Cream together the butter and cream cheese on medium until smooth and creamy. 2) Slowly add in the powdered sugar (mixing on low) about a cup at a time until well incorporated. Alternate with splashes of cream for desired consistency. 3) Once well mixed, add the vanilla. *If frosting is too thick, add more cream. If frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar*