quick easy cheesecake

I feel bad calling these cheesecakes.  Cheesecakes are filled with time and lots of work.  These cute little cakes took me less than 20 minutes.  They are quick, yummy and although not as decadent as a real cheesecake a great on the go alternative.  Perfect for a summer picnic too! Or a potluck. 

 I doubled the recipe and it make 20 small jam jars.  As of now there are only 5 left in my fridge.  Our dinner last night was for 8 people......Kumon where are you now?!

Here is the how to, enjoy!

Ingredients

·         Graham Cracker Crust:

·         1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

·         2 Tbsp. granulated white sugar

·         6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

·         Cheesecake Filling:

·         One 8-ounce (227 grams) pkg. cream cheese, at room temperature

·         1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

·         1 tsp. vanilla extract

·         1 cup whipping cream (35%)

·         Topping:

·         One 21 oz. (595 grams) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

1.     For the Graham Cracker Crust: In a large bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Place 1/4 cup of filling into bottom each jar. Use anything from your kitchen that has a flat bottom and will fit into the jar to press the crumb mixture down gently to level it (doesn’t need to be packed down hard, just enough to neaten it up). Place jars in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

2.     Cheesecake Filling: In a clean bowl of stand mixer or with your electric mixer, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Remove to a separate bowl and set aside. In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl then beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold or beat the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined. (* I folded by hand to keep some of the lightness of the whipped cream)

3.     Remove jars from fridge and place a generous 1/4 cup of filling over the chilled graham cracker crust. If you have extra, just distribute amongst the jars. Smooth the top of the filling. Place lid on jars and refrigerate for about an hour, until firm. Remove from fridge and spoon a layer of the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake filling and gently spread evenly to the edges. Place lid back on jar and refrigerate for several hours or more. Once set, these can also be frozen. (*If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the refrigeration of the filling before putting on the cherry topping. It’s actually pretty firm so it’s not too difficult to spoon the topping on if you’re a bit gentle with it).