Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your cupcakes will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make serving easy.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form a crust.

Step 4: Create the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until smooth. This may take a few minutes, so be patient. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

Spoon a tablespoon of blackberry jam onto each prepared crust. Then, fill the cupcake liners with the cream cheese mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow for rising during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are just set. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be firm but not overbaked. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Whip the Topping

In a medium bowl, whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and airy topping for your cupcakes.

Step 8: Garnish and Chill

Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cupcakes. Top each one with extra blackberries and a sprinkle of lime zest for garnish. Chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.