Raspberry Cheesecakes

This is another pinterest find.

I've obviously been a little behind on my posts (not like anyone noticed because, let's be honest, very few people read this blog!) since this recipe is from the Super Bowl.  I really like making desserts in cupcake liners, mostly because I enjoy looking for seasonally and/or event appropriate liners.  But they're also nice because they're smaller portions and don't need a plate and fork. 

These were delicious.  A friend of mine who doesn't like cheesecake liked these -- that's the mark of a tasty treat!  And also made my night... yes, I have problems.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
6 oz. raspberries
2 tbsp. sugar
2 lbs. cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 c. sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 eggs, room temperature
Event-appropriate cupcake liners

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees & line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.  I was making these for the Super Bowl so, of course, I had to find event-appropriate cupcake liners.  How perfect are these?!

Line a muffin tin with the cupcake liners.  Melt the butter then combine with the graham cracker crumbs.  Put about a tablespoon of the mixture in the bottom of each tin.  I used a meat mallet to press the crumbs down.  Place in the oven & bake for 5-8 minutes.  Transfer to a cooling rack.

To make the raspberry puree, combine the raspberries & sugar in a food processor & blend.
Set it aside to use once the cheesecake is made.

To make the cheesecake, beat the softened cream cheese until it's fairly fluffy.  Add the sugar & beat until it's smooth.  Mix in the salt, vanilla & eggs -- add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full with the cheesecake mixture. 

I added about a teaspoon of the raspberry puree to each cheesecake but in hindsight, I would've done more.  I placed the raspberry puree in dots so that I could swirl it but shockingly enough I was running super late & the swirling turned to quickly mixing it with no regard for aesthetics.

In my rush, I took no photos of the finished product.  All I can say is that everyone at our party loved them.  They are definitely going to be made again!