Get ready to impress your friends, family, and party guests with these delightful mini cheesecakes! These bite-sized treats are everything you love about classic cheesecake but come in a more convenient, individually-portioned size. Topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, these mini cheesecakes are creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
Plus, they’re much quicker to make than a full-sized cheesecake—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to deliver a show-stopping dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These mini cheesecakes bake in just 15-17 minutes, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfectly Portioned: No slicing required! These single-serve desserts are great for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home.
- Customizable Toppings: From whipped cream and fresh fruit to chocolate ganache or caramel drizzle, you can make these cheesecakes your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These mini cheesecakes can be refrigerated or frozen, so they’re ready whenever you need them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Two 8-ounce packages of full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or your favorite)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Press the Crust: Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each muffin liner. Use the back of a measuring cup or a flat object to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of each liner.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the eggs should only be mixed in until their yolks are broken to avoid air bubbles and cracks in your cheesecakes.
- Fill the Muffin Liners: Evenly divide the cheesecake batter among the muffin cups, filling each liner almost to the top.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. The cheesecakes are done when the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.
Adding Toppings
Once your mini cheesecakes are fully chilled, it’s time to dress them up! Top each cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few pieces of fresh fruit for a classic look. Alternatively, drizzle them with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or even sprinkle crushed nuts for added texture.
Tips for Perfect Mini Cheesecakes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, which may cause cracks during baking.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling is essential for setting the cheesecakes and enhancing their flavor. Resist the urge to skip this step!
- Customize Your Crust: Swap graham crackers for Oreos or digestive biscuits for a fun twist on the classic crust.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
Store your mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes them a great make-ahead dessert option.
Freezing:
Mini cheesecakes can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQs About Mini Cheesecakes
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese; however, keep in mind that full-fat cream cheese provides a richer and creamier texture.
2. Can I make these mini cheesecakes without paper liners?
Using paper liners makes it easier to remove the cheesecakes from the muffin pan. If you don’t have liners, grease your muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3. Can I use other types of crusts?
Absolutely! You can experiment with crushed Oreos, digestive biscuits, or even gingersnaps for a unique flavor.
4. How do I prevent cracks in my mini cheesecakes?
To avoid cracks, do not overmix your batter after adding the eggs. Also, ensure you bake them just until slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles if you’re making mini cheesecakes for a larger crowd.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 107 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
- Sugar: 10g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and quantities.
These mini cheesecakes are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering—or even as an indulgent treat just for yourself! With their creamy texture, buttery crust, and customizable toppings, they’re sure to become one of your go-to dessert recipes. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear in no time!
PrintMini Cheesecakes recipe
Get ready to wow your friends, family, and party guests with the best Mini Cheesecakes you’ve ever tasted! These bite-sized cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned for easy serving. Topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, they deliver all the deliciousness of a full-sized cheesecake but with half the baking time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake:
16 oz (two 8 oz packages) full-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
For the Topping:
Whipped cream
Fresh fruit
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a regular muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles coarse sand.
- Spoon 1-2 tbsp of the crust mixture into each muffin cup and press down firmly.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the cheesecake batter.
Make the Cheesecake Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth (1-2 minutes).
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as it can cause air bubbles and cracking.
Bake the Mini Cheesecakes:
- Evenly divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling them to the top.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the centers are just slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecakes cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serving:
- Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individually or place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Crust Alternative: Swap graham crackers for Oreo crumbs, digestive biscuits, or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest, caramel drizzle, or mini chocolate chips for unique twists!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 107 kcal
- Calories: 14g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 37mg
- Carbohydrates: 58mg
- Fiber: 25mg
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10g