Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes are the epitome of a sweet treat that combines the lusciousness of cheesecake with the vibrant flavors of strawberries and rich chocolate. Each mini cheesecake has a buttery graham cracker crust that cradles a creamy filling, infused with strawberry preserves, and topped with an indulgent chocolate ganache. The visual appeal—with the bright red strawberries peeking out atop the glossy ganache—makes these mini delights not just a dessert but a centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

These little bites of heaven are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself if you choose!). Whether you’re celebrating a romantic evening, an intimate gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself, these mini cheesecakes check all the boxes: easy to make, utterly delicious, and beautifully impressive. Trust me, once you experience these Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes, you’ll want to whip them up for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under 1.5 hours, including chilling time, making it easy to whip up even on a busy day.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of creamy cheesecake with fruity strawberry preserves and rich chocolate ganache is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their individual servings and vibrant colors make them an impressive dish for any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert, a sweet snack, or a fun weekend treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free with the right cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Graham crackers (1 sleeve, 9 cookies, 137 grams): These form the crunchy base of your mini cheesecakes. You can replace them with gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
Real Seal® unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, 43 grams, melted): This adds richness to the crust. Opt for a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy version.
Real Seal® cream cheese (12 ounces, 340 grams): At room temperature for easy mixing, it gives that creamy texture we love in cheesecakes. Low-fat varieties can be used, but the texture may differ.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, 100 grams): Sweetens the cheesecake. Brown sugar can substitute for a hint of molasses flavor.
Seedless strawberry preserves (1/2 cup, 140 grams): Provides a fresh strawberry flavor. You can replace it with raspberry or blueberry preserves for a different fruit twist.
Red gel food coloring: Optional, but it enhances the color if you want a more vibrant presentation.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor.
Fine sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness in the cheesecakes.
Large egg (1): Binds the filling together, giving it structure.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, 85 grams): For the decadent ganache topping.
Real Seal® heavy cream (1/4 cup): Used to melt the chocolate for the ganache. This should be fresh for the best consistency.
Small strawberries (12): Use fresh strawberries for garnishing. Choose ripe, beautiful ones for a stunning presentation.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup mini cheesecake pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure smooth removal later.

Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they’re finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened. Distribute approximately one heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture into each cavity of the cheesecake pan, pressing firmly down with a small object like a shot glass to create an even base.

Bake the Crusts: Place the crusts into the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Once baked, reduce your oven temperature to 325°F to prepare for the filling.

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Mix in the strawberry preserves, vanilla extract, food coloring (if using), and salt until blended. Add the egg last and beat until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as we want a smooth filling.

Fill the Crusts: Carefully divide the creamy filling equally among each crust cavity, smoothing out the top of each with a spatula. This is where your mini cheesecakes really begin to take shape!

Bake the Cheesecakes: Bake the filled cheesecakes for approximately 18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. This ensures a creamy texture. After baking, let them cool to room temperature.

Chill to Perfection: Cover the cheesecakes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, for best results, overnight. This chilling time helps firm them up and develop flavors.

Prepare the Ganache: Place the semisweet chocolate chips into a medium heatproof bowl. Heat the Real Seal® heavy cream in a small saucepan until it simmers, then pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 3 minutes before stirring until completely melted and smooth. Allow it to cool and thicken slightly as you finish preparing.

Decorate and Serve: Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, remove them from the pan. Spoon the chocolate ganache generously over the top of each cheesecake, then gently press a small strawberry into the center of each, making them irresistibly cute. Serve immediately, or cover and store in the fridge for up to one day.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your mini cheesecakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but they will still taste fabulous. If they seem a bit too soft, a quick pop in the fridge will refresh their firmness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly creamy filling.
Avoid overbaking your cheesecakes. They should still have a gentle jiggle in the middle when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
If you’re in a hurry, you can chill them for 1 hour in the freezer instead of overnight, but keep an eye on the time!
For extra flair, consider adding fresh mint leaves as garnish along with the strawberries for a pop of color and flavor.
You can make the crust and filling a day ahead of time, and assemble the cheesecakes just before serving for a fresh look!

These Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes are a delightful treat that marries the classic flavors of chocolate and strawberries with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. The beautiful presentation and delectable taste make them perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these mini cheesecakes deserve a spot on your dessert table. Enjoy the process of making them and let your creativity shine!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit preserves?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot. The key is to choose a seedless variety for a smooth filling. Each fruit brings a unique flavor profile that can completely transform the dish.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

Look for the edges to be set while the center retains a slight jiggle. They will firm up as they cool but should not be overly firm. This ensures your cheesecakes are creamy and not rubbery.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheesecakes a day in advance. Just ensure they chill in the fridge for a few hours after baking. Garnish them right before serving for the best presentation and freshness.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for the best texture and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a day.