Turn your drink into dessert with Small Batch Mini Margarita Cheesecakes in a graham cracker crust. Easy recipe makes only 6 mini cheesecakes.
When it comes to the Super Bowl, there are two types of viewers – those who watch the game and those who watch the commercials.
For me it depends on who’s playing. If it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers, then it’s about the game. However, if they’re not, then I’m in a third category – those who only care about the food.
Sure I’ll have the game on in the background and watch the commercials so I know what everyone’s talking about the next day, but really I’m there to shove my face full of dips, wings, and cheese ball.
Usually when I’m invited to a party, everyone signs up to bring something savory or drinks; dessert ends up being an afterthought.
Good thing I have dessert covered (maybe that’s why I get invited?).
Since we’re talking about serving dessert with other party food, it needs to be something that’s small and easily portable.
I know several people who serve margaritas for parties, so I got the idea to turn that into dessert with these Small Batch Mini Margarita Cheesecakes.
Smaller than a regular slice, these mini cheesecakes can easily fit onto your towering plate of food as you make your way back to the couch.
Margaritas have three specific ingredients that make it a margarita – tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
Of course you can vary it up by adding other fruit and making mango coconut margaritas or even using lemons instead of limes.
However, for these small batch mini margarita cheesecakes, I stuck with traditional flavors.
Because I added a good bit of extra liquid to the batter to mimic the flavors of a margarita, I added some all-purpose flour to balance it out.
Unlike a regular cheesecake, you don’t need any special tools or pans to make mini cheesecakes.
Sure, some manufacturers make dedicated mini cheesecake pans, but really all you need is a regular muffin pan and some cupcake liners.
As you can see by the photos, I peeled my liners before serving, but for easy transport, you can leave on the liners.
Small Batch Mini Margarita Cheesecakes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 1 tablespoon triple sec
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Small Batch Homemade Whipped Cream, lime zest, and lime slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with 6 paper liners.
- In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until moistened and clumpy. Press down into the bottom of each paper liner and bake 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg then beat in the vanilla, lime zest, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and flour.
- Spoon the batter into each liner and bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely at room temperature then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Garnish with whipped cream, zest, and slices before serving.
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Lisa @ The Cooking Bride says
These are so cute!
Carol at Wild Goose Mama says
Wowzer what a party hit. The problem is I would make pig of myself with the dish that I brought to
the Super Bowl Party. YOU are the Cheesecake go to Queen I tell ya. Obviously I love the recipe and in ‘cupcake’ form, perfect for a party.
Annie says
Unabashedly third category. I *guess* I’m excited about the Panthers this year, but only cause I really miss North Carolina and for no other reason.
Booze-themed desserts, on the other hand, get me fired up every time.
Victoria says
look salivate, kaka :)
Mel says
Would these freeze well. (Absent the whipped cream of course!)
Carla says
Yes, you can freeze cheesecake. Place them on a tray in the freezer uncovered. Once they freeze up, wrap them individually in plastic wrap then seal them either in a freeze-proof container or a freezer bag. Then before serving, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Ginny Stramaglia says
Are these made in a mini muffin pan?? We are doing a progressive dinner in my neighborhood & think regular sized muffins would be too much. If so how long would you cook the mini cheese? Thanks
Carla says
It’s a regular 12-cup muffin pan. If you go the mini muffin pan route, I would probably start checking after 10 minutes then go from there.