Mini Cottage Cheese Cheesecakes

1. I start by preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature ensures gentle, even baking that prevents cracks and maintains the creamy texture.
2. I line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. These make removal easy and provide a pretty presentation.

Creating the Cheesecake Mixture

3. In a high-powered blender or food processor, I combine the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, flour, orange liqueur (or chosen extract), eggs, sour cream, and salt. I blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and silky, usually about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. The mixture should be completely free of cottage cheese curds – this is crucial for achieving that classic cheesecake texture.

Assembly and Baking

5. I place one vanilla cookie wafer in the bottom of each muffin cup. These create a perfect miniature crust that adds both texture and flavor.
6. Using a measuring cup or ladle, I carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over each wafer, filling each cup about ¾ full. It’s important not to overfill as the cheesecakes will puff slightly during baking.
7. I bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be just barely golden and the centers should have a slight jiggle.

Cooling and Serving

8. Once baked, I remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This gradual cooling helps prevent the tops from cracking.
9. Just before serving, I top each mini cheesecake with a teaspoon of apricot jam. The sweet-tart flavor complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.

Topping Variations

While apricot jam creates a beautiful finish, these mini cheesecakes are incredibly versatile. Consider trying:

• Fresh berries
• Chocolate ganache
• Lemon curd
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream and mint
• Mixed fruit compote

Storage Tips

These mini cheesecakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, I add the toppings just before serving.