Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Cheesecakes

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### 👩‍🍳 How to Make Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Cheesecakes

#### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to **325°F (160°C)**. Line a **12-cup muffin tin** with paper liners.

#### Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix together the **graham cracker crumbs**, **melted butter**, and **brown sugar** until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about 1 tablespoon into the bottom of each muffin liner. Use the bottom of a glass or spoon to pack it down firmly.

Bake for **5 minutes**, then set aside to cool slightly.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the **cream cheese** until smooth. Add the **peanut butter** and **sugar**, and continue mixing until fully combined. Add the **vanilla**, then beat in the **egg** until just mixed. Finally, fold in the **sour cream** to keep the filling light and creamy.

#### Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each cup nearly to the top. Bake for **15–18 minutes**, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.

Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least **2 hours** (or overnight) to set.

#### Step 5: Top with Caramel
Before serving, drizzle each mini cheesecake with **caramel sauce** and sprinkle with **chopped peanuts** or **chocolate chips** if desired. The caramel adds a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty peanut butter.

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### 🍴 Serving Suggestions

– Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, for a cool and creamy treat.
– Make it a dessert platter with mini brownies, cookies, and fruit for contrast.
– Perfect for birthdays, brunches, potlucks, or just a weekend treat at home.

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### 💡 Tips & Variations

– **No peanut butter?** Try almond butter or hazelnut spread for a fun twist.
– Want a chocolate version? Add **mini chocolate chips** into the cheesecake batter or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
– Use a **mini muffin tin** for bite-sized cheesecake poppers—just adjust the baking time to about 10–12 minutes.
– **Make it gluten-free** by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

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### 🧡 Final Thoughts

These **Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Cheesecakes** are the perfect balance of indulgent flavors in a compact, crowd-pleasing package. Whether you’re a die-hard peanut butter lover or just someone looking for an easy yet impressive dessert, these creamy delights won’t disappoint.

Go ahead—grab a spoon, drizzle that caramel, and enjoy one (or two… or three!) of these little bites of bliss. 🥜🍮🧁

**Dessert, upgraded.**