STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE CUPS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• For the crust: Combine the pretzels, graham crackers, sugar, a pinch of salt and the melted butter in a large bowl. Press the crust into the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch clear glass baking dish. Set aside while you make the filling.
• For the filling: In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened cream cheese on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl and the beater often, until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sour cream and sugar and continue to mix until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. With the mixer speed on low, add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. Pour the filling over the crust and bake until the center is no longer jiggly, about 1 hour. Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, melt the strawberry preserves in a small saucepot over low heat. If you prefer no seeds, use a fine mesh sieve to strain it into another bowl. Pour the melted preserves over top of the cheesecake and smooth it out into an even layer. Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, then slice into 24 squares while still warm. Refrigerate until chilled completely, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray; line the bottom with a round of parchment paper; and spray the paper with cooking spray. Place the pan on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and bring the foil up around the sides to enclose the seam between the bottom and the sides of the pan (this will prevent water from leaking in).
• Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides. Set aside.
• For the filling: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese together with the sour cream. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sugar, cornstarch and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
• Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Set the foil-wrapped pan inside a larger pan, and carefully pour 1/2 inch of warm water into the larger pan to create a water bath. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and let the cheesecake stand in the opened oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 2 hours or overnight before removing it from the pan.
• For the sauce: Process the strawberries, sugar and lime zest in a food processor or blender until smooth. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. (The sauce is best served cold from the refrigerator.)