Ingredients:

  • 3 oz (150 g) Digestive Biscuits (or Graham crackers)
  • 4 Tbsp (60 g) Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) Granulated Sugar
  • Pinch Fine Sea Salt
  • 16 oz (450 g) Full-fat Cream Cheese, softened to room temp
  • ½ cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 g) Full-fat Sour Cream, room temperature
  • 1 Large Egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • ½ tsp Finely grated Lemon Zest (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preparation and Base Assembly: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with high-quality paper liners.
  2. Make the Base: Pulse the digestive biscuits, 1 Tbsp sugar, and salt in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the Crust: Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each liner. Press firmly down to create a compact, flat base. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
  4. Cream the Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Scrape down the sides well.
  5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the ½ cup sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until just combined.
  6. Add the Egg (Crucial Step): Add the single large egg and mix on low speed, just until the egg yolk disappears. Do not overmix once the egg is added, as this causes cracking.
  7. Fill the Cups and Bake: Evenly distribute the filling among the 12 prepared crusts, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
  8. Cool Gradually: Turn the oven off, crack the oven door slightly, and let the Mini Cheesecakes cool inside the oven for 15 minutes. This slow transition helps prevent sinking and cracking.
  9. Chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the countertop. Transfer the entire muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally 4 hours.
  10. Serve: Gently peel off the paper liner before serving. Top with fresh berries or desired toppings.