Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a solid base. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and 1/2 cup dulce de leche until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the muffin tin, then transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 4: Serve
Once set, remove the cheesecakes from the liners. Drizzle additional dulce de leche on top and sprinkle lightly with sea salt before serving
Methods for Making Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bites with Sea Salt
1. Preparation of Ingredients
Gather Ingredients: Before you start, ensure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, especially the cream cheese. This helps in mixing the filling smoothly.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to allow it to reach the right temperature while you prepare the crust and filling.
2. Making the Crust
Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is evenly distributed.
Add Butter: Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
Form the Base: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Use about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture in each cup, pressing it down firmly to create a solid base. This can be done using the back of a small measuring cup or your fingers.
Bake the Crust: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Incorporate Eggs: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated, contributing to a creamy texture.
Add Flavorings: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of dulce de leche until everything is combined and the mixture is smooth.
4. Assembling the Cheesecakes
Fill the Muffin Cups: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts in the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This allows for a little expansion while baking without overflowing.
Bake the Cheesecakes: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly, as they will firm up while cooling.
5. Cooling and Setting
Cool Completely: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini cheesecakes cool in the tin for about 30 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill and set fully. This step is crucial for the perfect texture.
6. Serving
Remove from Liners: Once set, gently peel the paper liners away from each cheesecake bite.
Add Toppings: Drizzle additional dulce de leche over the tops of the cheesecakes and sprinkle lightly with sea salt just before serving. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the flavor.
Presentation: Arrange the mini cheesecakes on a serving platter, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Summary of Methods
These methods ensure that each step in preparing the Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bites is straightforward, allowing you to create a delicious dessert that is both impressive and delightful. From preparing the crust to assembling and baking the filling, these steps ensure that you achieve the perfect mini cheesecakes every time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Formation
These cheesecake bites are perfect for any gathering, thanks to their easy preparation and appealing presentation. Their mini size makes them an attractive addition to dessert platters, and the combination of dulce de leche and sea salt adds a sophisticated touch. Serve them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat or as a sweet ending to dinner.
Nutrition Information (per bite, approx. 24 servings)
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 2g
Nutrition Information for Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bites
The following nutrition information is approximate and based on a serving size of one Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bite, assuming the recipe yields about 24 bites.
Nutritional Breakdown (per bite):
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 2g
Vitamins and Minerals
Calcium: 50mg (5% DV)
Iron: 0.5mg (3% DV)
Key Nutritional Highlights:
Calories: Each bite is relatively low in calories, making them a suitable option for satisfying sweet cravings without consuming excessive calories.
Fat Content: Contains moderate amounts of fat primarily from cream cheese and butter, which contributes to the creamy texture.
Protein: Provides a small amount of protein, thanks to the cream cheese.
Sugars: The sugar content mainly comes from dulce de leche, which adds sweetness and richness.
Calcium: The cream cheese contributes to the calcium content, supporting bone health.
While Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bites are a delightful treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. They can be part of a balanced diet when consumed alongside a variety of other foods. Adjusting ingredients for dietary needs can also enhance their nutritional profile, making them a more wholesome option.
Conclusion
Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bites with Sea Salt are a delightful treat that brings together the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the rich sweetness of dulce de leche and a touch of salty contrast. They are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a fun and easy dessert to make, ensuring they’ll be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo, these cheesecake bites are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the joy of creating something special that reflects the rich history of these beloved desserts!
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