Recipe of the Day

Recipe of the Day is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by KSDK News on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $15.36 total, $1.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Graham Crackers (finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for crust sweetness)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Pinch of Salt
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat, room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for filling sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional, freshly grated)
  • 1/2 cup Whipped Cream (lightly sweetened)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, halved)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Graham Crust

    Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl, add melted butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt; stir until evenly moistened.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Form the Crusts

    Divide the crumb mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact base.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Pre‑Bake the Crust (Optional)

    Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes, just until the crust sets. Remove and let cool slightly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Make the Filling

    In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest; continue beating until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.

    Time: PT7M

  5. Fill the Crusts

    Spoon the cheesecake filling into each prepared crust, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Fill just below the rim.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake the Cheesecakes

    Return the tin to the oven and bake at 350°F for 12‑15 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Cool and Chill

    Remove the tin from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H30M

  8. Add Toppings and Serve

    Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
8g
Fiber
0.5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with GF crackers

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Recipe of the Day

Recipe by KSDK News

A quick and easy no‑bake (or short‑bake) mini cheesecake perfect for Valentine's Day or any celebration. Light Greek yogurt adds tang, a buttery graham‑cracker crust provides crunch, and a topping of whipped cream and fresh fruit finishes the bite‑size treats.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 57m
Prep
20m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.36
Total cost
$1.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Press the graham‑cracker crust firmly to avoid cracks.
  • Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding yogurt.
  • Do not over‑bake; the center should still have a slight wobble.
  • Chill the cheesecakes for at least 1 hour for proper set.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven trays with oven mitts.
  • Melted butter is very hot; pour carefully to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of mini cheesecakes in American cuisine?

A

Cheesecakes have been a beloved American dessert since the early 1900s, evolving from dense New York‑style versions to lighter, bite‑size mini versions that are perfect for parties and holidays like Valentine's Day.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cheesecake in the United States?

A

Regional variations include New York‑style dense cream cheese cheesecake, Chicago’s ricotta‑based version, and the Southern cream cheese and sour cream blend. Mini versions often borrow the classic New York base but add lighter ingredients like Greek yogurt.

cultural
Q

How is a mini Greek yogurt cheesecake traditionally served in American celebrations?

A

They are typically served chilled on a platter, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, making them a perfect individual dessert for Valentine’s Day, brunches, or cocktail parties.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is mini Greek yogurt cheesecake traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Mini cheesecakes are popular for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and holiday gatherings because they are easy to portion and look elegant on a dessert table.

cultural
Q

What makes mini Greek yogurt cheesecake special or unique in American dessert tradition?

A

The addition of Greek yogurt lightens the texture, adds a subtle tang, and reduces the richness of traditional cream cheese‑only recipes while still delivering the classic cheesecake flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mini Greek yogurt cheesecakes?

A

Common mistakes include over‑baking the filling, not pressing the crust firmly enough, and adding toppings too early, which can make the crust soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this mini cheesecake recipe use a short bake instead of a completely no‑bake method?

A

A brief bake sets the crust and stabilizes the filling, ensuring the mini cheesecakes hold their shape when removed from the tin, while still keeping the interior light and creamy.

technical
Q

Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can bake and chill the cheesecakes up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator; add whipped cream and fruit just before serving to maintain texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the mini cheesecakes are done?

A

The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should have a slight wobble. After chilling, the tops will become firm and smooth, ready for topping.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel KSDK News specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel KSDK News focuses on community‑focused cooking segments, sharing quick and approachable recipes that tie into local events and seasonal celebrations.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel KSDK News?

A

KSDK News emphasizes simple, family‑friendly dishes that use readily available ingredients, with step‑by‑step explanations that make the recipes easy for home cooks of any skill level.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel KSDK News' approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

KSDK News often ties recipes to local holidays and community events, providing practical tips for busy households, whereas many other channels focus on gourmet or trend‑driven desserts.

channel

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