# What You Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
04 - 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
→ Topping
09 - 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, diced)
10 - 2 tablespoons fruit preserves, optional
→ Decoration
11 - 24 graduation-style diploma picks
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with mini cupcake liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly incorporated.
03 - Spoon 1 teaspoon of crust mixture into each liner and press down firmly to compact.
04 - Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
05 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
06 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the cream cheese mixture; blend until just combined without overmixing.
07 - Distribute approximately 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling over each crust, smoothing the tops evenly.
08 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until centers are set but retain a slight jiggle.
09 - Remove from oven and allow cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
10 - Transfer cheesecakes to a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.
11 - Top each cheesecake bite with fresh berries. Optionally, warm fruit preserves and brush lightly over berries for a polished finish.
12 - Insert diploma picks into each cheesecake bite immediately before serving for festive presentation.
