Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Irresistible Mini Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Tooth Cravings

These bite-sized mini cheesecakes will steal your heart with their creamy, dreamy texture.

Every baker loves a mini cheesecakes recipe that promises pure indulgence in each small, delectable bite.

Rich cream cheese blends perfectly with sweet, velvety ingredients to create a dessert that melts in your mouth.

Forget complicated baking techniques – this straightforward recipe brings professional-level elegance to your kitchen.

Each mini cheesecake offers a delightful balance of smooth filling and buttery graham cracker crust.

The secret lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients that transform simple components into an extraordinary treat.

Mini Cheesecakes That Are Crowd-Pleasers

  • Quickly Customize: Personalize each mini cheesecake with favorite toppings like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce for a unique dessert experience.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: These bite-sized treats are ideal for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy individual portions without the mess of cutting a large cheesecake.
  • Beginner Baker Friendly: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for novice bakers, with minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal kitchen equipment needed, quick mixing process, and easy cleanup make these mini cheesecakes a stress-free dessert option for busy home cooks.

Essential Ingredients for Mini Cheesecakes

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it bind together.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps the crust hold its shape and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
  • Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slight tanginess.
Optional Topping Ingredients:
  • Berries, Whipped Cream: Can be used to garnish and add extra flavor and visual appeal to the mini cheesecakes.

Steps for Perfect Mini Cheesecakes

Step 1: Craft the Crust

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab a muffin pan and dress it up with adorable paper liners.

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Gently press a tablespoon of this crumbly mixture into the bottom of each liner, creating a perfect foundation for your mini treats.

Step 2: Toast the Crust

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 5 minutes.

Once done, pull it out and let the crust cool down and set.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

Pour in the sugar and blend until perfectly combined.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla and sour cream until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy and uniform.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Carefully pour the dreamy cheesecake filling over each crusty base, filling the liners about three-quarters full.

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until the filling sets with a gentle wiggle.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours.

When ready, these bite-sized delights are set to steal the show at your next gathering!

Pro Tips for Baking Mini Cheesecakes

  • Avoid overmixing the batter and gently fold ingredients to reduce air bubbles that cause surface cracks.
  • Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing for smoother, lump-free filling.
  • Use a cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon to ensure consistent crust and filling amounts in each mini cheesecake.
  • Place muffin pan in a water bath or use low, even heat to create creamy, tender cheesecakes without overbaking.
  • Dress up mini cheesecakes with fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.

New Ideas for Mini Cheesecake Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bites: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Mini Cheesecakes: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of eggs, and substitute butter with coconut oil.
  • Chocolate-Swirled Cheesecake Cups: Mix melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake batter, then create a marbled effect by swirling it through the plain mixture before baking.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and reduced calorie content.

Ways to Present Mini Cheesecakes

  • Elegant Fruit Topping: Slice fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries and artfully arrange on top of each mini cheesecake for a vibrant, fresh burst of flavor.
  • Decadent Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or milk chocolate and gently drizzle over the chilled cheesecakes, creating a luxurious and indulgent presentation that elevates the dessert.
  • Caramel Crunch Surprise: Sprinkle crushed caramel pieces or drizzle warm caramel sauce over each mini cheesecake, adding a delightful crunch and rich, sweet complexity to the creamy base.

Storing Mini Cheesecakes the Right Way

  • Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent soggy crust.
  • These mini cheesecakes taste best when served chilled directly from the refrigerator, preserving their creamy and smooth consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor and texture.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my mini cheesecakes?

Avoid overmixing the batter, don’t overbake, and let the cheesecakes cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to minimize cracking.

  • Is it possible to make these cheesecakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Can I add fruit or chocolate to the cheesecake?

Definitely! Swirl in fruit preserves before baking, or sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor and visual appeal.

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Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy mini cheesecakes deliver pure dessert bliss with their silky texture and rich flavor profile. Chocolate graham cracker crusts and smooth cream cheese filling make these bite-sized treats irresistible for you to savor and share.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Base:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) melted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin pan. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
  2. Distribute the crust mixture evenly into each liner, pressing firmly to create a compact base. Bake the crust for 5 minutes until lightly set.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Gradually incorporate sugar, blending until fully integrated.
  4. Add eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream until the filling achieves a uniform, silky texture.
  5. Carefully fill each liner with cheesecake mixture, leaving approximately ¼ inch of space from the top. Ensure an even distribution across all cups.
  6. Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. The filling should appear set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Crush graham crackers finely for a smoother, more compact crust that holds together perfectly when biting into the mini cheesecake.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly and creates a velvety texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking, resulting in a smooth, professional-looking dessert.
  • Customize these mini cheesecakes by adding different toppings like fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or caramel sauce to create unique flavor combinations that will impress your guests.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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