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MARDI GRAS MINI CHEESECAKES

Yield

20 cheesecakes

Time

30 minutes

With a hint of lemon flavor and bright hues of purple, green, and gold, these Mardi Gras mini cheesecakes are a perfect addition to any Fat Tuesday celebration.

INGREDIENTS

Graham Cracker Crust ‣ 2 cup graham cracker crumbs ‣ 1/3 cup light brown sugar ‣ 1/2 cup salted butter, melted Purple, Green, and Gold Cheesecake ‣ 16 ounce cream cheese, softened ‣ 1/2 cup granulated sugar ‣ 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream ‣ 1/3 cup sour cream ‣ 1 tablespoon lime juice ‣ 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ‣ 1 teaspoon salt ‣ 3 egg ‣ 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch ‣ food coloring, in purple, green, and gold (or yellow) Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting ‣ 8 ounce cream cheese, softened ‣ 1/2 cup salted butter, softened ‣ 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar ‣ 1 teaspoon lemon extract ‣ 1/4 teaspoon salt ‣ 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract ‣ festive sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

1

Prepare the graham cracker crust by mixing together the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter until saturated and crumbly.

MIX THE CRUST

2

Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners, then press the graham cracker crust into an even layer along the bottom. Once done, bake!

ADD TO MUFFIN PANS

3

While crusts cool, make the cheesecake filling by creaming together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until fluffy, then blend in heavy whipping cream, sour cream, lime juice, vanilla, and salt, eggs, and cornstarch.

MAKE CHEESECAKE FILLING

4

Divide the cheesecake mixture into three bowls, then mix in the purple, green, and gold (or yellow) food coloring.

CREATE THE COLORS

5

Add the cream cheese mixture on top of the graham cracker crusts. Once done, bake!

FILL THE MUFFIN PANS

6

Once the cheesecakes have baked, cooled, and been chilled in the refrigerator, prepare the frosting by whipping together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon extract, salt, and vanilla extract.

MAKE THE FROSTING

7

Decorate the mini cheesecakes with the prepared frosting, topping them with festive sprinkles.

DECORATE