Cheesecake Bites with Diploma Picks (Printable version)

Mini cheesecakes with graham crust, topped with berries and festive picks, chilled and ready to enjoy.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream

→ Topping

09 - 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries, diced
10 - 2 tablespoons fruit preserves, optional

→ Decoration

11 - Graduation-style diploma picks or DIY paper and twine picks

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cupcake liners.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly incorporated.
03 - Spoon 1 teaspoon of crust mixture into each liner and press down firmly to create an even base.
04 - Bake crusts for 5 minutes until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
05 - Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
06 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the cream cheese mixture. Blend until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
07 - Distribute approximately 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling over each crust and smooth the tops evenly.
08 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until centers are set but retain a slight jiggle in the middle.
09 - Remove from oven and allow cheesecakes to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10 - Chill cheesecakes in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour until fully set.
11 - Crown each cheesecake bite with fresh berries. Optionally, warm fruit preserves and lightly brush over berries for a glossy finish.
12 - Insert diploma picks into each cheesecake bite immediately before serving for festive presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste like indulgent cheesecake but go down like a single, satisfying bite—perfect for celebrations or when you want dessert without the commitment.
  • The graham cracker crust gets toasted just enough to add that buttery crunch that makes every bite feel intentional.
  • You can make them hours ahead, stick them in the fridge, and they actually get better as the flavors meld together.
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese won't blend smoothly and you'll end up with lumps that no amount of mixing will fix.
  • That slight jiggle in the center when you pull them from the oven is exactly what you want; they'll continue to set as they cool, and you'll get that perfect creamy texture instead of something dry and cakey.
03 -
  • Use an ice cream scoop or small measuring spoon to portion the filling evenly—it saves time and makes sure every bite is consistent and picture-perfect.
  • If your oven runs hot, rotate the pan halfway through baking so they cook evenly and you don't end up with some that are overcooked at the edges.
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