Equipment Needed
- 12-cup standard muffin tin
- Paper or foil cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Small spoon or cookie scoop for crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
We start with the crust, which is the foundation. I line my muffin tin with festive paper liners—this makes serving and cleanup a dream. In a medium bowl, I stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand and holds together when pinched. I’ve learned the hard way that if your butter is only partially melted, you’ll get dry pockets. Using a small spoon or a tablespoon measuring spoon, I firmly press about 1.5 tablespoons of this mixture into the bottom of each liner. A small glass or the back of the spoon helps me press it into an even, compact layer. I then pop the whole tin into the fridge to set while I make the filling.
Now, for the heart of the cheesecake: the filling. In my large mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Any lumps here will stay forever, so I take my time. I then sift in the powdered sugar and add the vanilla, beating again until just combined. Overbeating at this stage can incorporate too much air. In a separate, chilled bowl, I whip the cold heavy cream until I have stiff peaks. This is the magic that gives our cheesecakes lift and a cloud-like texture.
Here comes the crucial folding step. I add about one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and use my spatula to stir it in vigorously. This lightens the dense cream cheese. Then, I gently fold in the remaining whipped cream with a wide, gentle motion, turning the bowl as I go, until no white streaks remain. The mixture will be thick, luxurious, and spoonable. I take the muffin tin from the fridge and divide the filling evenly among the cups, smoothing the tops with the back of my spoon. A gentle tap of the tin on the counter releases any air bubbles.(See the next page below to continue…)