Cheese Cakes

MY family just goes CRAZY for cheesecakes (especially my little brother) so i decided to make them :) Personally im not a big fan, but that's just me! Anyways, i made vanilla streusel-topped cheesecakes. When i made the crust i didn't have graham crackers (or the crumbs), so i used the streusel to make the crust too, except i added some cocoa powder to make it chocolaty :)

For those of you who have never tasted streusel, i suggest you do ;). Its a buttery-floury taste, with a hint of sweetness. for those of you who like things sweeter, use more sugar. for those who like it more floury, use less sugar. It taste similar to shortbread, except its a bit lighter/less dense.

My homemade Streusel:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 stick butter, creamed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 (tip: for chocolate variation use HALF the recipe, add 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder and the same amount of sugar. Use chocolate for the crust and vanilla for the topping.)

Cream butter and oil in a bowl until smooth, add vanilla extract. Add in flour, and sugar and mix until clumps are formed, do not over mix. Cool in freezer for about 5-10 minutes, or in your fridge for 1/2 an hour. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of chocolate streusel into each muffin tin (greased or with cupcake liners), press down using a round flat surface or a spoon of some sort. Bake at 350 degrees for about 6 minutes. Add cheesecake batter, and fill until muffin tins 2/3 full. For streusel topping, prior/before to putting the cupcakes in the oven, sprinkle 1/2 a tablespoon (or 2 teaspoons) of the white/vanilla part of the topping, and bake according to the instructions. 

Enjoy <3