Indulge in these delightful mini cheesecakes featuring a buttery biscuit crust complemented by homemade black plum preserve. Perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet treat!
Begin by finely crushing the digestive biscuits. You can place them in a ziplock bag and gently crush using a rolling pin. Combine the crumb mixture with the melted butter until fully mixed.
For Base:
Divide the crumb mixture evenly into a muffin tray with six cups. Firmly press the mixture down using the base of a glass to create a smooth surface. Refrigerate the tray while you prepare the filling.
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, caster sugar, and fresh cream until smooth and well blended.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, allowing about 30 seconds in between each to prevent excess air. Then, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
For Cheesecakes:
Gently pour the cream mixture over the chilled bases in the muffin tray. Position the tray in a water bath by adding hot water to a larger baking dish, filling it halfway up the muffin cups for a creamy texture.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes. The centers should retain a slight wobble. Once baked, crack the oven door slightly using a wooden spoon and let them cool in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the tray, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecakes, and allow them to cool completely on the counter. After cooling, cover and chill in the fridge for at least one hour.
When ready to serve, carefully extract each cheesecake from the tray and top with your homemade black plum preserve or a fruit jam of your choice. Enjoy these little treats alongside a cup of tea!