Cheesecupcakes

Another birthday celebration! The birthday guys (yes this was a double birthday) love cheesecake, so we simply had to make cheesecupcakes! We always try to make decorations that are edible, but we're not sure that fondant would go well with cheesecake. Plus these men like really simple desserts.

Egg shells and graham crackers.


Cheesecake batter and graham cracker base.

Cheesecupcakes
Adapted from Kraft's What's Cooking
(Makes about 12 cupcakes)

2 packages (250 g each) of softened Cream Cheese
1/2 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup of melted butter

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and have cupcake liners ready in the tray.
2. Combine the graham crumbs and butter. Divide the base evenly between the 12 cupcakes. Press firmly onto the bottom of cupcake liners.
   
3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until well blended.
   
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended.
5. Fill cupcake liners evenly with batter.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until centres are almost set.
   
7. Cool and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.

Cheesecupcakes with chocolate ganache topping.

For decorations, we handmade these Boo and Toad toppers. Why Boo and Toad? Because when they play Mario Party, those are the characters they choose! On Google Images, we searched for "Boo from Mario" and "Toad from Mario" and found these two images. Printed them out on card stock (you can use any thick paper really) and attached them to toothpicks.

Boo and Toad, half of the cheesecupcakes had yummy chocolate ganache.


Boo!

Chocolate Ganache
(Makes about 1/2 cups)

1/4 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Heat the heavy cream over a double boiler until the edges begin to bubble.
2. With the chocolates in a heat proof container, pour the heated cream in. Let it sit for a minute and then whisk the chocolate and heavy cream together. It should be smooth and shiny!
   
3. Apply generously to dessert!