National Cheesecake Day and "New York Style Mini Cheesecakes"

Did you know that today is National Cheesecake Day? Since we are a household of two, rather than making an entire cheesecake, I make us personal-size strawberry cheesecakes. They are easy to make and are a big hit with my husband Craig. New York style cheesecakes, of course! They are perfect for making treats for one or two people but also make wonderful mini-size treats for a crowd. You can enjoy it by itself or topped with a number of fruit toppings. I top each of ours with a tablespoon of the strawberry preserves recipe I created for our wedding favors. 

"Southern Fried Bride's New York Style Mini Cheesecakes"

Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

Filling:
3 - 8 oz. packages light cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs


Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In regular size bowl, combine crumbs, 3 tbsp. sugar and butter. Press into bottom of each 4 mini (4-1/2-inch) spring form pans. Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour 1/4 of the batter (about 1 cup) over the crust in each of the mini pans. Place pans on cookie sheet. Bake 40-45 minutes or until centers are almost set. Remove from oven. Loosen sides of cheesecakes with knife or metal spatula. Allow to cool before removing rims of pans. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight before serving. Makes 4 mini cheesecakes. If desired, top with fruit topping of choice. Enjoy!