Mini cheesecakes are the perfect blend of creamy, rich cheesecake and convenient, bite-sized fun! Made in a muffin tin with a buttery graham cracker crust, these mini desserts are ideal for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick and impressive dessert. Top them with fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream for a customizable treat that everyone will love.

I first made these mini cheesecakes for a family event, and they quickly became my most requested dessert. Not only are they easy to make, but their small size makes them a hit with guests. Let’s get started on these delightful little cheesecakes!

Why You’ll Love These Mini Cheesecakes

These Mini Cheesecakes are as easy to love as they are to make! Here are a few reasons they’re sure to be your new favorite dessert.

First off, these cheesecakes are quick and simple. No water bath or complicated steps required – just mix, pour, and bake! They come together in under 30 minutes and only need a short time to cool and set.

These mini cheesecakes are perfectly portioned, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. You can enjoy one (or two!) without feeling overly full, and they’re easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing a fork.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Top them with fresh berries, caramel sauce, or chocolate ganache for a different flavor every time. The possibilities are endless, making these mini cheesecakes a great option for any season or occasion.

Lastly, they’re a crowd-pleaser. With their rich, creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust, these cheesecakes have all the classic flavors everyone loves, but in a fun, mini form!

Ingredients Notes

These mini cheesecakes are made with simple ingredients, but each one plays a role in creating the perfect dessert.

Graham Crackers: The base of these mini cheesecakes, crushed graham crackers give the crust a classic, buttery flavor. You can also use other cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a twist.
Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a sturdy crust for the cheesecake filling.
Cream Cheese: The main ingredient in any cheesecake! Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, so it mixes smoothly without lumps. Full-fat cream cheese works best for the richest, creamiest texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cheesecake filling, balancing the tang of the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the cheesecake. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the filling, giving the cheesecake its creamy, smooth texture. Be sure to add them one at a time and mix gently to avoid overbeating.

You’ll also need a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for easy removal and a hand or stand mixer for a smooth filling.

How To Make These Mini Cheesecakes

These mini cheesecakes are straightforward to make and come together in just a few easy steps.

Preheat and Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing until well combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner, pressing it firmly to form an even crust. Bake for 5 minutes, then let the crusts cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, filling each cupcake liner nearly to the top. Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the centers are just set. They may still have a slight jiggle in the middle, which will firm up as they cool. Remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Add Toppings and Serve: Once chilled, remove the mini cheesecakes from the liners and add your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or caramel sauce are all delicious options!

In just a few easy steps, you’ll have creamy, delicious mini cheesecakes that are ready to serve.

Storage Options

Mini cheesecakes are easy to store, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.

Refrigerator: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of time for parties or events.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the mini cheesecakes. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Tip: Mini cheesecakes are best served chilled or at room temperature, so let them sit out for about 15 minutes before enjoying.

Variations and Substitutions

This basic mini cheesecake recipe is easy to customize with different flavors and toppings. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a rich chocolate flavor. Top with chocolate ganache or mini chocolate chips.
Lemon Cheesecakes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling for a bright, citrusy twist. Top with a dollop of lemon curd for extra flavor.
Salted Caramel Cheesecakes: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecakes and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
Berry Swirl Cheesecakes: Drop a small spoonful of berry jam onto each cheesecake before baking, then swirl with a toothpick for a beautiful berry swirl effect.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.

With these variations, you can create a new flavor of mini cheesecake each time you make them, perfect for any occasion or taste preference!

Conclusion

These Mini Cheesecakes are the ultimate easy and impressive dessert. With a creamy, rich filling and a buttery crust, they’re everything you love about classic cheesecake in a perfectly portioned, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a delicious dessert on hand, these mini cheesecakes are sure to be a hit.

Give them a try – they’re fun to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious!