When I came across this recipe in Cooking with Paula Deen, I realized that it had been far too long since I put my mini cheesecake pan to use. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the holiday season so I could justify making these little treats.
Hazelnuts have become my friend. Granted, pecans will always be my first love, but there’s just something about hazelnuts that greatly appeals to me. Throw in some chocolate, and I’m a goner for sure. Plus cream cheese, too? Are you kidding me?
For those of you without the mini cheesecake pan, let me tell you a bit about it. It looks much like a muffin pan with super-straight sides. However, the bottoms of each cup are removable. So, when it’s time to take your cheesecakes out of the pan, you can just push up on them from the bottom and release them quite easily. I’m sure these could be made in a muffin pan, but I think that the cups would need to be lined. They would still be delicious, if just a little lacking in the presentation department.
One of the best things about these little cheesecakes is their simplicity. Preparation time is very quick. The only thing remotely time-consuming is pressing the crust into the pan. If you can accept that, then you can have these incredibly delicious cheesecakes whipped up in no time.
More bite-sized treats from BoB:

10 responses so far ↓
1 Jade // Dec 12, 2007 at 10:49 pm
These look amazing! I love individual desserts. I asked for that pan for christmas, lets hope Santa brings it
2 Lewis // Dec 12, 2007 at 10:58 pm
OOOH! I do believe my wife would fall in love with me all over again if I made these!
They look beautiful good job!
3 Kristen Doyle // Dec 12, 2007 at 11:12 pm
I’ve just added something new to my wish list… I think I will add this photo so that Santa is as tempted as I am
4 Meeta // Dec 13, 2007 at 12:39 am
Something decadent about having your own mini dessert on a plate. I love the sound of this. YummY!
5 Patricia Scarpin // Dec 13, 2007 at 7:35 am
They look incredible, Jen - what a great idea for the next time I have people over!
6 Tiffany // Dec 13, 2007 at 7:40 am
Yummy! I’ve been wishing for a mini-cheesecake pan. I’ll bookmark this so I have it when I get the pan
7 Tartelette // Dec 13, 2007 at 11:07 am
I am supposed to be doing my resume,and then I take a brak and come here…and now I forgot what previous jobs I’ve had because my current one is drooling over that cheesecake and the future one will be to make me some,albeit with pecans but that’s just because our tree was generous this year. I love hazelnuts,they are so fragrant. My favorites. Gorgeous cheesecake!
8 jennifer // Dec 13, 2007 at 11:20 am
Thanks, Jade! Hopefully Santa will come through for you.
Well, Lewis, sounds like you’d better make them! Thanks!
Kristen, I hope you get your cheesecake pan. If not, maybe you can get yourself a present!
Meeta, I also love mini desserts. Although, it does make it a bit embarrassing to ask for seconds.
Patricia, I think they’re just perfect for having people over. They’re easy and they look impressive!
Tiffany, hopefully you’ll get your pan. Let me know what you think of the recipe!
Sorry to interrupt your resume writing, Tartelette. I am so jealous of your pecan tree. As many as I go through, you’d think I’d just plant one myself.
9 JEP // Dec 13, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I might also add…the cheesecake size will help my portion control & calorie intake…if I limit myself to one or two
10 jennifer // Dec 13, 2007 at 9:41 pm
An excellent point, JEP. Of course, eating just one of these leaves plenty of room to sample some other dessert!
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