Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crusts: Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.
4. Bake: Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly into the prepared crusts, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are just set.
2. Cool: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 30 minutes.
3. Chill: Transfer the cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

1. Sprinkle Sugar: Once the cheesecakes are chilled, remove them from the paper liners and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each cheesecake.
2. Torch the Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully heat the sugar until it melts and caramelizes into a golden-brown crust. Let the sugar cool and harden before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Garnishes: Top each cheesecake with fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the delightful crunch of the caramelized sugar with the creamy cheesecake filling.