Description

Want a dessert that’s as dazzling as a 4th of July fireworks show and super easy to make? These Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes are your perfect pick! With a creamy cheesecake filling, a Golden Oreo crust, and festive red, white, and blue sprinkles, these bite-sized treats are bursting with patriotic flair.

Ingredients

Scale

A batch of Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes needs simple ingredients for 12 mini cheesecakes using a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cheesecake Filling:
- 32 oz (4 8-oz blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup red, white, and blue jimmies sprinkles
- Why it matters: Cream cheese creates a rich, creamy filling; eggs and sugar ensure a smooth texture. Sprinkles add a festive, patriotic pop.
- Substitutions: Use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or vegan option. Swap granulated sugar for a sugar substitute like monk fruit (use per package conversion). Use any colorful sprinkles if patriotic ones aren’t available.
Crust:
- 36 Golden Oreos
- Why it matters: Golden Oreos provide a sweet, crunchy base that’s easier than crushing cookies.
- Substitutions: Use vanilla wafers, graham crackers (2 per liner), or gluten-free Oreos. Crushed shortbread cookies work too.
Topping:
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Additional red, white, and blue jimmies sprinkles
- Why it matters: Whipped cream adds a light, fluffy finish; sprinkles enhance the 4th of July theme.
- Substitutions: Use Cool Whip or make whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla). Swap sprinkles for fresh berries or edible stars.
Equipment:
- Cupcake liners
- 12-cup muffin pan (standard, not mini)
- Why it matters: Liners make removal easy; a standard muffin tin ensures proper size.
- Substitutions: Use silicone muffin cups or grease the pan well if skipping liners.

Tip: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes for smooth mixing. Use jimmies (long sprinkles) for better texture in the batter. Ensure you have enough Golden Oreos (3 per cheesecake for extras if some break).

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place cupcake liners in each slot of a 12-cup standard muffin tin.
- Tip: Use sturdy liners to hold the Oreo and batter. Lightly spray liners with non-stick spray for easier removal.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat 32 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).
On low speed, add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition.
Gently fold in ⅓ cup red, white, and blue jimmies sprinkles with a spatula.
- Tip: Scrape the bowl to ensure no lumps. Mix eggs minimally to avoid adding air, which can cause cracks. Fold sprinkles gently to prevent color bleeding.

Step 3: Assemble the Crust

Place 1 whole Golden Oreo in the bottom of each lined muffin cup (12 total).
- Tip: Choose intact Oreos for a neat base. Press lightly to fit if needed. Save extra Oreos for snacking or replacements.

Step 4: Fill the Cups

Pour the cheesecake batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling to about ¾ full (about 2-3 tbsp per cup).
Sprinkle a pinch of additional red, white, and blue jimmies on top of each cheesecake.
- Tip: Use a small scoop or spoon for even filling. Tap the pan gently to settle batter and remove air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the centers are almost set but slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan at room temperature (about 1 hour).
Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set fully.
- Tip: Check at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking. Cool gradually to prevent cracks. Chill fully for clean removal from liners.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Remove chilled cheesecakes from the muffin tin and peel off liners if desired.
Top each cheesecake with a dollop or swirl of whipped cream (use a piping bag for a fancy look).
Sprinkle with additional red, white, and blue jimmies for extra patriotic flair.
Serve chilled and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Tip: For homemade whipped cream, beat 1 cup chilled heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form. Add sprinkles just before serving to keep them vibrant.