Blackberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup and press it down with a spoon or your fingers to form a firm, even crust.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream and mix until smooth. The filling should be thick and creamy.

Assemble and Bake the Cupcakes

1. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly into each muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers have a slight jiggle.
3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake cupcakes in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to set. Then remove them from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.
4. Once cooled, transfer the cupcakes to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Make the Blackberry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries gently with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture has thickened and become syrupy.
2. Stir in the lime juice (optional), then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Once the topping has cooled, spoon a small amount of the blackberry syrup over each cheesecake cupcake before serving.

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Tips & Variations

Fresh or Frozen Berries: If fresh blackberries are unavailable, frozen berries will work just fine. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid extra liquid.
Extra Tanginess: If you love extra citrus flavor, feel free to add more lime zest or lime juice to the cheesecake filling.
Garnish Options: For added flair, top each cupcake with a whole blackberry, mint leaves, or a small piece of lime zest.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or ground almonds to make this recipe gluten-free.
Add a Crunch: If you want an extra texture contrast, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts (such as pistachios or almonds) over the topping.

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Final Thoughts

These Blackberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. The creamy cheesecake, paired with the refreshing lime flavor and the rich blackberry topping, creates a treat that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, for a special occasion, or as a sweet end to a casual meal, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out!

Looking for more fruity cheesecake ideas or unique cupcake recipes? Feel free to ask – I’d be happy to share more delicious treats!