Description
These Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecakes are delightful bite-size desserts featuring a creamy cheesecake filling infused with rich dulce de leche, all nestled on a vanilla wafer crust. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, they combine classic American cheesecake elements with a luscious Latin-inspired caramel flavor, ideal for parties or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 12 vanilla wafer cookies
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup dulce de leche (plus more for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners and place one vanilla wafer cookie at the bottom of each liner to form the crust.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Flavor and combine: Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, dulce de leche, and a pinch of salt until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Fill the liners: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly, indicating they are just done.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled to set the texture.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle additional dulce de leche over the tops and garnish with whipped cream if desired for an extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
- For easier drizzling, warm the dulce de leche slightly in the microwave.
- As an alternative crust, replace vanilla wafers with a tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter in each liner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Latin-inspired
