Mini Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes

Introduction

Chocolate lovers, gather around! If you’re looking for a dessert that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, look no further than these Mini Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes. Imagine rich, velvety cheesecake, a chocolatey graham cracker crust, and a luxurious chocolate ganache topping all coming together in the cutest individual servings. Trust me, each bite feels like you’re indulging in a bite of heaven.

I first stumbled upon this recipe at a family gathering where everyone was raving about the classic chocolate cheesecake I made. But I wanted to take it up a notch, add some more decadence, and create a dessert that wasn’t just a treat, but an experience. That’s when I decided to go for triple chocolate—and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. From the smooth chocolate cheesecake filling to the crunchy, sweet crust and glossy ganache, every part of this dessert brings something special to the table.

These mini cheesecakes are perfect for all occasions—whether it’s a family dinner, a friend’s birthday, or a holiday celebration. Not only are they cute and individual, but they’re also ridiculously easy to make (and much more forgiving than full-sized cheesecakes). So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you’re going to feel like a pro when you serve these up. Plus, you’ll be the star of the dessert table, no doubt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You might be wondering, “What makes these mini triple chocolate cheesecakes so special?” Well, let me tell you why they’re going to become your new favorite dessert:

• Triple Chocolate Delight: This recipe is all about that deep, rich chocolate flavor. The base is a chocolatey graham cracker crust, followed by a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. It’s chocolate on chocolate, and it’s absolutely divine.
• Mini & Convenient: Not only are these mini cheesecakes adorable, but they’re also perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings. Each guest gets their own little indulgence without the mess of slicing and serving.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of the creamy filling, crunchy crust, and smooth ganache creates a mouthwatering texture profile. It’s indulgent without feeling overly heavy.
• Make-Ahead & Stress-Free: These cheesecakes can be made ahead of time, which makes them perfect for meal prepping or preparing for an event. The chilling time enhances the flavor and allows you to focus on other things before the party.

Each bite is like an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate experience, and it’s definitely a treat everyone will be talking about long after the last crumb has been eaten.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
• Servings: This recipe makes 12 mini cheesecakes.

Nutrition Facts (per cheesecake):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for these decadent mini cheesecakes:

Crust:

• 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs: This forms the base for our cheesecakes, giving them that nice, chocolatey crunch.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a little sweetness to balance the rich chocolate flavors.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): The butter brings everything together, creating a solid, buttery crust.

Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups cream cheese (softened): The base of the filling; it gives the cheesecake its creamy, luscious texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds to the creamy consistency and rich mouthfeel.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without any graininess.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For that warm, familiar flavor that complements the chocolate.
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): This is what gives the cheesecake its chocolatey goodness—melted chocolate in the filling, yes, please!

Ganache Topping:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on making these triple chocolate cheesecakes! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step, so you’ll feel confident from start to finish.

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir everything together until the crumbs are fully coated in the butter.
3. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners. You’ll need 12 muffin cups for this recipe.
4. Spoon the crust mixture into each muffin liner, dividing it evenly. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cup, forming a nice, compact crust.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust looks golden and slightly set. Remove the tin from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Make sure your cream cheese is soft for the best texture.
2. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy.
3. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating them in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Once melted, let the chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
4. Add the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture and beat until fully combined.
5. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, dividing it evenly among the 12 mini cheesecakes. Use a small offset spatula to smooth the tops and make sure they’re evenly distributed.
6. Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) to allow them to firm up and set properly.

Step 3: Make the Ganache Topping

1. While the cheesecakes are chilling, make the ganache topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
2. Once the cream is hot, remove it from the heat and pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Stir gently until the chocolate has completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
3. Allow the ganache to cool for about 10 minutes before spooning it over the chilled cheesecakes. You want it to be pourable, but not too runny.
4. Spoon the ganache onto each cheesecake, covering the top generously. If you’re feeling fancy, use a small spatula to swirl the ganache around for a polished look.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

1. After topping each cheesecake with ganache, place the cheesecakes back in the refrigerator for at least another 30 minutes to let the ganache set.
2. Once they’re fully chilled and the ganache has firmed up, they’re ready to serve!
3. Garnish with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

How to Serve

These mini triple chocolate cheesecakes are perfect for individual servings, but there are a few creative ways to serve them up:

• Garnish with whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra decadence.
• Serve with a drizzle of caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce complements the chocolate without overpowering it.
• Pair with a coffee or dessert wine: A rich coffee or dessert wine, like a late-harvest Riesling, pairs beautifully with these cheesecakes.

You can also serve them at any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy movie nights. They’re the perfect treat to impress guests, and everyone will love how easy they are to grab and go.

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your mini triple chocolate cheesecakes turn out perfect:

1. Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps the filling become smooth and creamy without lumps.
2. Don’t skip the chilling time: Allow the cheesecakes to chill for several hours to ensure they set properly. If you rush the process, they might be too soft and fall apart.
3. For an extra glossy ganache: If you want your ganache to shine even more, add a tablespoon of butter when you melt the chocolate chips. It gives it a glossy finish and makes it even more decadent.
4. Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even fresh berries can add a fun twist to these mini cheesecakes.

FAQ: Mini Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes

1. Can I make these mini cheesecakes in advance?

Yes, absolutely! These mini cheesecakes actually taste better after chilling for a few hours, or even overnight. You can make the entire dessert a day ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to let the ganache set properly before covering them with plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container.

2. Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can freeze these mini cheesecakes! After the cheesecakes have chilled and the ganache has set, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them uncovered for about 1 hour. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge for several hours before enjoying.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache or cheesecake filling?

Definitely! While semi-sweet chocolate is the traditional choice for both the cheesecake filling and ganache, you can experiment with other types of chocolate to suit your tastes. Dark chocolate will give the cheesecakes a more intense, slightly bitter flavor, while milk chocolate will provide a sweeter taste. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness in the filling and ganache if you’re using a sweeter chocolate, like milk chocolate.

4. Can I make the crust with regular graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute regular graham crackers for chocolate graham crackers if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor in the crust. You could even try using crushed Oreo cookies for an extra chocolatey twist if you love that flavor combo.

5. My ganache looks too thick to pour over the cheesecakes. What should I do?

If your ganache is too thick, simply reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a small splash of heavy cream, and stir until you reach the desired pourable consistency. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cheesecakes to ensure a smooth, shiny finish.

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Conclusion

These Mini Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes are an absolute treat for anyone who loves chocolate, and they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. With their rich, creamy filling, indulgent chocolate crust, and glossy ganache topping, they’re the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or just indulge in a little self-care (because let’s be real, we all deserve a little chocolate goodness).

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these mini cheesecakes are sure to steal the show. So go ahead, get baking, and prepare to have your guests rave about this irresistible dessert! And if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself making them over and over again—they’re that good.