Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your cheesecake cupcakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin. Line a muffin tin with parchment liners. If you're using graham crackers, crush them into fine crumbs and press about a tablespoon into the bottom of each liner to create a crust.
Step 3: Mix the Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese or vegan cream cheese with the plain yogurt, sweetener, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin. Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full.
Step 5: Bake. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the centers still have a slight jiggle.
Step 6: Cool. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Chill. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cheesecake cupcakes for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows them to firm up and develop a deliciously creamy consistency.