Strawberry Caramel Mini Cheesecakes are luxurious individual cheesecakes with a nutty or cookie crust, creamy filling, and a silky caramel topping crowned with fresh strawberries and whipped swirls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Single-serve, perfect for entertaining
Caramel and strawberry flavor combination
Rich yet balanced filling
Visually stunning for parties
Make-ahead friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crushed cookies or nuts
Butter
Cream cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Caramel sauce
Strawberries
Whipped cream

Directions

Prepare Crust: Mix crushed cookies and butter, press into muffin molds.
Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over crusts.
Bake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15–18 minutes. Cool and chill.
Top and Decorate: Spoon caramel over each, add strawberries and whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 mini cheesecakes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 3 hours
Total time: About 4 hours

Variations

Use dulce de leche for a deeper caramel flavor
Add espresso to the cheesecake batter
Use Oreo crust for a chocolate twist

Storage/Reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze undecorated and thaw before topping.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, choose a thick, rich one.

Can I use a mini cheesecake pan?

Yes, it’s ideal for even baking and presentation.

Can I skip the eggs?

Use a no-bake cheesecake recipe if omitting eggs.

Are they freezer-friendly?

Yes, without the toppings.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It works, but full-fat gives the best texture.

How do I avoid cracks?

Avoid overbaking and let them cool slowly.

Can I use jam instead of caramel?

Yes, for a fruitier alternative.

What if I don’t have muffin molds?

Use ramekins or cupcake liners.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, prepare a day in advance.

Are they too rich?

They’re portioned for perfect richness in each bite.

Conclusion

Strawberry Caramel Mini Cheesecakes are the ideal blend of flavor and flair. These bite-sized beauties are creamy, elegant, and topped with the perfect combination of caramel and fruit.

Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares

Name: Strawberry Caramel Mini Cheesecakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup crushed cookies (graham crackers, digestive, or Oreos) or finely chopped nuts; 3 tbsp butter, melted; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup caramel sauce; 6–8 fresh strawberries, halved; Whipped cream, for garnish

Short Description

Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares are crisp, layered pastry slices filled with silky vanilla custard and dusted with powdered sugar. Often referred to as Napoleon pastries, they are rich, flaky, and refined.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic French pastry style
Buttery, crisp layers
Rich vanilla custard center
Eye-catching and indulgent
Perfect for celebrations or coffee breaks

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets
Milk
Egg yolks
Sugar
Cornstarch
Vanilla extract or bean
Butter
Powdered sugar
Raspberries (optional garnish)

Directions

Bake Puff Pastry: Roll out and bake puff pastry sheets until crisp and golden. Cool completely.
Make Custard: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly add warm milk. Cook until thickened, stir in vanilla and butter. Cool.
Assemble: Layer puff pastry with custard in between. Repeat layers.
Chill and Cut: Refrigerate for 2 hours, then slice into squares. Dust with sugar and garnish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 slices
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking/Baking time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: About 3 hours

Variations

Add fruit between layers
Use chocolate or coffee custard
Top with fondant glaze

Storage/Reheating

Best eaten fresh. Store chilled in a container for up to 2 days. Not suitable for reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, but homemade gives better flavor.

Why is my pastry soggy?

Cool all components before assembling.

Can I freeze mille-feuille?

Not recommended—pastry softens on thawing.

Can I flavor the custard?

Yes, try citrus zest, coffee, or almond extract.

Is it hard to cut?

Use a serrated knife and chill thoroughly.

Can I skip the top layer?

Yes, make open-faced versions for simplicity.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare the day before.

How do I prevent collapsing?

Chill between adding layers.

Are they messy to eat?

Slightly, but worth it for the texture.

Can I dust with cocoa?

Yes, for a richer finish.

Conclusion

Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares are a bakery-worthy treat that combines flaky pastry with luscious cream. Each slice offers a refined bite of texture, sweetness, and classic pastry craftsmanship.

Strawberry Caramel Mini Cheesecakes

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Strawberry Caramel Mini Cheesecakes are indulgent, single-serve desserts with a buttery cookie or nut crust, smooth cheesecake filling, rich caramel topping, and fresh strawberries—perfect for parties or make-ahead treats.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 8 mini cheesecakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use a mini cheesecake pan.
Mix crushed cookies or nuts with melted butter. Press about 1 tbsp into the base of each mold. Bake for 5 minutes, then cool slightly.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly over the crusts. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until centers are just set.
Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Top each cheesecake with a spoonful of caramel sauce. Add a halved strawberry and a swirl of whipped cream.
Serve chilled.