Description
The world of desserts is a vast and delectable one, filled with a multitude of flavors and textures. Among these sweet indulgences, one treat stands out for its creamy elegance and comforting aroma: Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake Bites. In this article, we will delve into the allure of cinnamon, the art of crafting the perfect cheesecake base, the science behind the scent, and a detailed recipe to create these delectable bites. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find valuable tips and insights to master this delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Crust:
• 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (from about 30 wafers)
• 4 tbsp salted sweet cream butter, melted
• 2½ tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp salted sweet cream butter, softened
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Crust:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a regular-sized muffin pan with paper liners and generously spray the liners with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until fully combined.
3. Evenly distribute 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into the bottom of each liner, pressing down firmly. Bake for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the muffin pan and lower the oven temperature to 300°F.
Cheesecake Filling:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on low speed to blend the cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until just combined.
2. On low speed, add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Assembly:
1. Spoon ¾ – 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling on top of each crust.
2. Add ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling.
3. Spoon another ¾ – 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling.
4. Add ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecakes sit in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Crack open the oven door and let the cheesecakes sit for an extra 20 minutes. Then remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack for 30 minutes.
8. Refrigerate for 2 ½ hours.
Frosting:
1. In a small mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
3. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe a swirl pattern onto each cheesecake bite, starting from the center.
4. Keep the cheesecake bites refrigerated until serving