Sweet-tart mini cheesecakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup melted butter

→ For the Filling

03 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
08 - 1/2 cup blackberry jam

→ For the Topping

09 - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - Zest of 1 lime (for garnish)
12 - Extra blackberries and lime zest for topping

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form a crust.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lime juice.
04 - Spoon a tablespoon of blackberry jam onto each crust, then fill the cupcake liners with the cream cheese mixture.
05 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
06 - In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cupcakes.
07 - Top each cupcake with fresh blackberries, extra blackberry jam, and lime zest for garnish.
08 - Chill the cupcakes for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

# Notes:

01 - For a gluten-free option, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers.
02 - To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
03 - Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy filling. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy mixture.
04 - Chilling Time: Don't rush the chilling process. Letting the cupcakes chill for at least 2 hours helps set the cheesecake filling and enhances the flavor.
05 - Zesting Tip: When zesting the lime, be careful not to grate too deeply into the pith, as it can add a bitter taste to your cupcakes.