Almond Cheesecake (Mix in a Mug) Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons vanilla wafer crumbs or 4 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons sugar, divided use
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon whole milk or 1 tablespoon half-and-half

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of cookie or cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon; mix well and place in a small ziploc bag before sealing it tightly.
2. Place the sealed bag in a mug to keep it handy while you prepare the cheesecake. In another ziploc bag, combine 1 teaspoon of flour, the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds, then seal the bag too and place it inside the mug with the other bag.
3. Feel free to decorate the mug and attach a gift tag with the following directions: ALMOND CHEESECAKE.
4. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. To create the crust, combine the 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the contents of the first bag containing the crumbs; mix well until combined, then press the mixture into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a lightly greased mug.
5. Bake the crust for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the remaining mix bag’s contents with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract (or vanilla), 1 tablespoon of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of whole milk (or half-and-half). Mix for about 1 minute or until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
6. Once the crust is done, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Let the crust cool slightly, then pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust in the mug, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center, which means it’s perfectly done. Let it cool, and then enjoy your delightful creation.