🍓 Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. I’ve always loved desserts that bring people together and few things do that better than these Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes. Growing up, my grandmother used to make shortcakes with fresh strawberries from our garden, their sweetness filling the warm summer air.

When I first made this cheesecake version, I wanted something that felt both elegant and comforting. The mix of buttery biscuit crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake, and juicy strawberry topping makes each bite taste like sunshine and love. Whether you’re making them for a weekend gathering or just to brighten your day, these mini cheesecakes will win hearts at first bite.

I love recipes like this because they’re simple, delicious, and always make the kitchen smell amazing. Plus, mini desserts are perfect for portion control (or for going back for seconds without guilt!).

These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are ideal for birthdays, brunches, or just when you want to treat yourself to something pretty and sweet. They’re easy to make, require no fancy equipment, and deliver that irresistible mix of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.

So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create something special together!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies (or graham crackers)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

For Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Crushed shortbread crumbs or biscuit crumbs
• Fresh strawberry halves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, combine crushed shortbread cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each liner, pressing down firmly to form the base. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and lemon juice. The batter should be silky and lump-free.

Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared crusts, filling about ¾ full.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until centers are just set. Don’t overbake the tops should look slightly jiggly.
Remove from oven and let them cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours for best texture.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the berries start releasing their juices. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook another minute until slightly thickened. Let cool before topping.

Serving Suggestions

These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are best served chilled. Pair them with iced coffee, a glass of sweet dessert wine, or just enjoy them as a midday treat.

For gatherings, display them on a tiered dessert stand with a dusting of powdered sugar they look like tiny jewels! You can also switch up the topping with blueberries or raspberries for a twist.

🍓 Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes

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These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes combine buttery shortbread crusts, creamy vanilla cheesecake, and fresh strawberry topping. Each bite-sized dessert bursts with fruity sweetness and creamy texture  the perfect treat for any occasion!

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups crushed shortbread cookies

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups diced strawberries

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Garnish:

• Whipped cream

• Crushed shortbread crumbs

• Fresh strawberry halves

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.

• Prepare crust: Mix crushed shortbread, melted butter, and sugar. Press 1 tablespoon into each liner. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool.

• Make filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one by one. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and lemon juice. Fill muffin cups ¾ full.

• Bake: Bake 18–20 minutes until centers are set. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours.

• Make topping: In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest for 5–7 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry, stir until thickened. Cool completely.

• Assemble: Spoon strawberry topping over cheesecakes. Chill 30 minutes.

• Garnish: Add whipped cream, crumbs, and a halved strawberry before serving.

Notes

• You can replace shortbread cookies with graham crackers for a different texture.

• To make ahead: prepare cheesecakes a day early and add topping just before serving.

• For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Author: INAYA
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American / Greek-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s both simple and special. These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes capture everything I love about homemade sweets freshness, love, and that little touch of indulgence that makes life brighter.

They’re proof that even small treats can bring big smiles. Next time you’re craving something fruity and creamy, make these mini delights they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

🍓 Here’s to baking, sharing, and creating memories one mini cheesecake at a time!

🧁 Short 100-Word Version

Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! These Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are my favorite blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet shortcake, topped with fresh strawberry sauce. Each bite feels like sunshine buttery crust, smooth filling, and juicy berries. Perfect for brunch, birthdays, or when you just want something beautiful and delicious. They’re simple to make, look stunning, and taste even better. Try them once, and you’ll fall in love with this little dessert full of warmth and happiness!