Mini Easter Orange Cheesecakes
Mini Easter Orange Cheesecakes are delightful springtime treats featuring a creamy texture enhanced with fresh orange zest. These festive, perfectly portioned mini cheesecakes combine simple ingredients to create a bright, tangy dessert ideal for Easter gatherings or any spring celebration.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottoms of mini cupcake tins lined with paper cups to form the crust base.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and orange juice to infuse the citrus flavor.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over each crust in the mini tins. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 18-22 minutes until the centers are just set but slightly jiggly to maintain a velvety texture.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecakes cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up and meld flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Gently remove paper liners and garnish with extra orange zest, thin orange slices, or fresh mint leaves for an appealing, fresh presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks after baking.
- Consider baking in a water bath to keep cheesecakes moist and avoid cracking.
- Chill completely to achieve the ideal creamy texture and easier slicing.
- Always use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: mini cheesecake, orange zest cheesecake, Easter dessert, spring dessert, citrus cheesecake, bite-size cheesecake