1 Minute Cheesecakes Recipe
About my one minute cheesecakes
When I’m developing dessert recipes for one or two people, I always try to think of a particular problem I’m trying to solve. For this recipe, I was thinking about a problem with regular cheesecakes. Cheesecakes are a rich dessert. Most of us only want one slice. So what if there are just one or two of you in the house who want cheesecake? No one is going to make a whole cheesecake, when all you want out of it is a slice or two.
So, I thought about the easiest way to make individual portions of cheesecake. Making a “slice” wasn’t going to work. You could make individual portions in ramekins, of course. But do most people even have ramekins at home? Everyone has a mug or a cup, though.
That’s how the idea of mug cheesecakes was born. Cups or small mugs are the perfect vessel for individual portions of desserts. They’re exactly the right size.
Of course, if we’re just making one or two portions of a dessert like a cheesecake, we need the method to be as simple and quick as possible. No one wants to spend an hour making one portion of cheesecake!
So, I’ve massively simplified the construction of the cheesecake base compared to making a regular cheesecake. With this recipe it will literally take you five seconds to make the base. The rest of the cheesecake will take a minute to put together if you work quickly. If you want a neat, pretty presentation, it might take a couple of minutes longer.
These mug cheesecakes really give you everything you want in a no-bake cheesecake, but in a fraction of the time it takes to make a whole one. There’s no baking, no microwaving and no refrigerating required!
Here, I’ve given you three ideas for flavors inspired by The Cheesecake factory: Peanut Butter Cup and Chocolate, Fresh Strawberry, and Golden Birthday.
If you like these cheesecakes, here are three more delicious flavors to try.
What is the difference between a bake and no-bake cheesecake?
Beside the obvious difference that one is baked and one isn’t, what is the difference? It’s all about texture. Baked cheese cakes are denser in texture, mainly due to the inclusion of eggs which set as they bake. No-bake cheesecakes are much lighter in texture.
What are the benefits of a no-bake cheesecake?
Because there’s no baking step, no-bake cheesecakes are perfect for summer when you might not want to switch your oven on because it will heat up the kitchen. Their lightness is another great benefit for summer—no-bake cheesecakes are one of the most popular summer desserts.
How long will my no-bake cheesecake last?
The great thing about these one-minute cheesecakes is that they come together so quickly. So they’re perfect for satisfying cravings! However, if you want to make a bunch ahead of time, you can keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.
INGREDIENTS
(The amounts here are for one cheesecake of your choice)
For the crust
1 cookie of your choice
Milk for dipping the cookie (optional)
For the cheesecake filling
2oz (60g) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cold
1½ tbsp powdered sugar
4 tbsp (60g) heavy cream, cold
½ tsp of vanilla extract
1 heaping tsp of peanut butter ( for the peanut butter cup cheesecake)
1 heaping tsp of strawberry jam ( for the strawberry cheesecake)
1-2 golden oreos and sprinkles ( for the golden birthday cheesecake)
Toppings
Peanut butter cups & chocolate spread
Strawberry jam
Whipped Cream, a whole Golden Oreo and sprinkles
INSTRUCTIONS
You will need a small cup or mug about 6oz (170ml) in size, for each cheesecake you want to make.
For the base
Making the base for the cheesecake couldn’t be easier. It’s made from a single cookie. You can either break it into chunks and put in the bottom of your cup or mug; or you can quickly dunk the cookie in milk and place the whole cooke in the base.
Getting read to make the cheesecake bases
For a crunchy crust, in a mug add one crushed cookie; or
For a soft melt in your mouth crust, dip the cookie in milk and add the cookie to the mug.
The three cheesecake bases in place—on the left a crumbled cookie, the other two have a cookie dipped in milk
For the cheesecake filling
In a small bowl mix together cold cream cheese, powdered sugar, cold heavy cream, vanilla extract.
Preparing the cheesecake base for each of the three cheesecakes in this recipe
Add either the peanut butter (for the peanut butter cup cheesecake) or the strawberry jam (for the strawberry cheesecake). Then mix using a handheld mixer until well combined and fluffy.
Whipping the cheesecake mixes for each flavor of cheesecake
If you're making the Golden Oreo Birthday cheesecake, fold some crushed Golden Oreo crumbs and sprinkles into your cheesecake.
Add the filling to your prepared mug and smooth out the top surface.
Adding the filling to the mug for one of the cheesecakes
Toppings
Add the toppings of your choice.
For the peanut butter cheesecake, I like to add melted Nutella (melt it in the microwave) and chopped up mini peanut butter cups.
For the birthday cake cheese cake, I add whipped cream, sprinkles, and a Golden Oreo;.
For the strawberry cheesecake, I add some melted strawberry jam (melt it in the microwave) and a fresh strawberry.
Added melted Nutella to form the topping for the peanut butter cheesecake.
Adding the finishing touches of chopped up mini Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Tips
No Heavy Cream. If you don't have heavy cream, you can omit it. However, if you do omit it, keep in mind the cheesecake will be a bit dense because the heavy cream lightens the texture of the cheesecake. It might also be less firm because, as the heavy cream whips, it creates a firmer texture for the mixture. In that case, put the mixture in the fridge 15 to 30 minutes to firm up.
No Handheld Mixer. If you don’t have a handheld electric mixer, you can make the cheesecake filling by hand. Using a fork, whisk up the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cold heavy cream, vanilla extract and any spread you’re using. Work as fast and as vigorously as you can. Because it will take longer by hand than using an electric mixer, you’ll probably have to put the mixture in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up.
Hi! I’m Emma Fontanella. Here you’ll find trusted, tested recipes to satisfy your baking addiction and carb cravings. Learn more…
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