Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbs are moistened. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups and press firmly into the bottom of each liner to form the crust.
Step 3: Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese, beating until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated after each addition. Be careful not to incorporate too much air.
Step 7: Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Make sure not to overmix the batter.
Step 8: Divide the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked graham cracker crusts in the muffin tin. Fill each cup almost to the top.
Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly. Do not overbake. Some small cracks may appear.
Step 10: Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecakes cool in the oven for 15 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
Step 11: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly set.
Step 12: Just before serving, remove the cheesecakes from their liners. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar (about 1/2 teaspoon per cheesecake) over the top of each chilled cheesecake.
Step 13: Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns a golden amber color. Work quickly and move the torch continuously to prevent burning. Let the caramelized topping harden for a minute or two before serving.
Step 14: Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar!