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These super simple and oh-so-scrumptious ‘cupcakes’ are quick and easy, but look and taste like they took you all day!! You can make the glaze as thick or thin as you like to change your look. I was trying for a new Easter recipe and I was looking for a new version of a hot cross bun 😀

Yields 24-26 cupcakes

CHERRY CHEESECAKE BITES adapted from REAL HOUSE MOMS

CRUST
1 1/2 cups ginger snap FINELY ground crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon

• Preheat oven to 325°.
• Line two regular sized muffin tins with cupcake liners.
  
• In a small bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar and cinnamon.
  
• Pour 1 tablespoon of graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
• Using a juice glass, press crumbs into an even packed layer.
• Bake for 5 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let rest while you make the filling.

FILLING
32 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 LARGE eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

• Beat cream cheese until fluffy.
• Gradually add in sugar and mix until smooth.
• Add eggs, one at a time.
• Add vanilla and salt, mixing to combine.
• Pour 3 1/2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling into each cupcake liner.
• Tap muffin tins on the counter to bring the bubbles up to the top and pop them with a toothpick.
• Bake cheesecakes for 22 minutes.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.

  

TOPPING
8 ounces SMUCKERS tart cherry jam (or jam/preserves of choice)

1 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract

• Place 2 teaspoons of jam on top of each cheesecake where a little dip forms.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Vanilla glaze will be a little on the thick side, but should still drizzle off a spoon. Add more heavy cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Drizzle over cheesecake tops.

• Chill for 2 to 4 hours.
• Remove from liners and enjoy!