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1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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2
In a food processor grind the almonds down to fine crumbs.
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3
Melt the butter and add to the almond crumbs.
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4
Spoon the buttered crumbs into the cupcake foils in a cupcake tin and press down with your fingers until it resembles a lower crust to the cupcake.
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5
Bake the almond crust for 8 minutes or until slightly brown, toasting the nut mixture. When done remove and cool on a rack.
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6
Mix softened cream cheese, sugar or sweetner, egg, lemon juice and vanilla and a bowl with a mixer until fully integrated.
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7
Carefully fold in clean, good looking raspberries into the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to smash the raspberries or you will get a pink cheesecake.
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8
Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-18 minutes. Look for the cupcakes to solidify, but it will be okay if they are slightly soft.
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9
Cool on a rack, then refrigerate.
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10
When serving, remove from the refrigerator, carefully remove the cupcake foils, place in a desert dish and pair with your favorite raspberry sauce like Maso's raspberry sauce.
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11
Mini cheesecakes can be made ahead a few days and will last nicely in the refrigerator for a few days. I have never frozen them. They disappear too quickly!