Description
These Valentine’s Day Cheesecake Hearts are the perfect sweet treat for the holiday. Rich and creamy cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, shaped into cute hearts and topped with a berry compote or fresh fruit, make these the ideal dessert to celebrate love in style.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, helps firm up the filling)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries or raspberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or fruit preserves (for easy topping)
- Optional: whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of heart-shaped silicone molds or a heart-shaped tart pan, pressing down firmly to form a crust. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream (if using), and mix until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the flour, if using. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Fill the molds: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly into the cooled crusts. Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecakes will firm up as they cool. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the topping: Before serving, top each cheesecake with sliced strawberries or raspberries. You can also drizzle a little strawberry jam or fruit preserves on top for added sweetness and shine.
- If desired, garnish with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for a festive touch. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer cheesecake, you can replace half of the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese.
- If you don’t have heart-shaped molds, you can use regular muffin tins or a standard tart pan, and simply cut the cheesecakes into heart shapes after baking.
- These cheesecakes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to mix up the topping with other berries or even a chocolate ganache for a different twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Valentine's Day Treat, No-Bake Option
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Valentine's Day Cheesecake Hearts, Heart-Shaped Cheesecake, Valentine’s Day Desserts, Cheesecake for Lovers, Berry Topped Cheesecake, Easy Cheesecake Hearts