Cheesecake For Two

By srumbel

Even though I love cheesecake, sometimes I just want a few small bites. This plain mini cheesecake recipe makes just enough dessert for two and can be customized with different toppings and batters. Mini chocolate cheesecake recipe also included.
from chocolatemoosey.com

Ingredients

• For plain cheesecake
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For chocolate cheesecake
• 1/4 cup chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• Various toppings, such as maraschino cherries, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, caramel, melted peanut butter chips, hot fudge sauce, etc.

Details

Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Have two 6-ounce ramekins* ready and place on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of each ramekin.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and beat another minute or until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla, melted chocolate** (if using), and espresso powder (if using).
Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops puff up and are firm to the touch. There may be a slight jiggle when moved - that's ok.
Cool completely then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve with various toppings.

Notes
*Because ramekins can vary in size (I recommend 6 ounces), it is possible that the cheesecake may sink in the middle. If this happens, just add extra toppings. If you use 4 ounce ramekins, you may need to divide the batter among three ramekins to avoid overflow.

**If you want to make one plain and one chocolate, reduce the melted chocolate to 1 ounce. Divide the batter into two bowls then mix the melted chocolate into one.

Serves: 2 mini cheesecakes