Mini Blackbottom Cheesecakes with Kahlua Walnut Sauce

Cheesecake is probably my very favorite indulgence. I'll pick cheesecake over ice cream or a chocolate dessert anytime, unless the chocolate dessert happens to be a cheesecake with a chocolate crust!

These mini cheesecakes are so easy to make, and depending on the style of cupcake liner you choose, can be very elegant as well.

Here's how I make them:

For the Crust:

36 Oreo cookies (about 2 sleeves)

1/2 stick butter, melted

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse Oreo cookies until they are reduced to fine crumbs. Turn into a mixing bowl and using a spatula, combine with melted butter. Set aside.

For the Cheesecakes:

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 325°F.

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), on medium speed, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, just until blended. On low speed, blend in sour cream.

Line muffin pans with 24 paper cupcake liners. Press about 1 tablespoon of the Oreo crumb mixture onto the bottom of each liner. Spoon cheesecake filling on top of crumb mixture, filling to about 2/3 full.

Bake at 325°F. for about 45 minutes, or until tops are slightly golden and cheesecakes are just firm to the touch. Remove from oven; cool and carefully remove cheesecakes from pan. Drizzle with Kahlua Walnut Sauce and serve, or store cheesecakes covered in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days.

For the Kahlua Walnut Sauce:

3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/4 cup Kahlua liqueur

3 tablespoons brown sugar

In a small saucepan, combine Kahlua and brown sugar. Over medium heat, stir and cook until sugar is melted and mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in walnuts. Cool completely before spooning over cheesecakes. Makes 24 mini cheesecakes.

Note: Any leftover Kahlua Walnut Sauce may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month in a sealed container.

#Cheesecake #dessert #easydessert #elegantdessert