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Mini Dessert for Parties That Disappears Fast - Bite-Size Crowd-Pleaser

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 24 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) chocolate cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for sweeter crust)
  • 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (for ganache)
  • Optional toppings: fresh berries, crushed nuts, flaky sea salt, sprinkles, or shaved chocolate
  • Mini cupcake liners and a mini muffin pan (24-count)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pan: Line a mini muffin pan with 24 mini cupcake liners. Set aside.
  • Make the crust: Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
  • Press and set: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of crust into each liner. Press firmly with the back of a spoon. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.
  • Beat the filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
  • Fold gently: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined and silky.
  • Fill the cups: Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled crusts, nearly to the top. Smooth with a small spoon. Chill 20–30 minutes.
  • Make ganache: Heat 1/2 cup cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until glossy.
  • Top with ganache: Spoon a small dollop of ganache over each cup, tilting the pan to spread.
  • Add garnish: While the ganache is soft, add berries, nuts, or a pinch of flaky salt.
  • Chill to set: Refrigerate at least 45 minutes, or until the layers are firm.
  • Serve: Keep cold until party time. Peel the liner and enjoy in 2–3 bites.