Easy Mini Cheesecakes
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These Easy Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect sweet treat to add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings! With a creamy, velvety filling nestled in a buttery crust, these bite-sized delights are not only adorable but incredibly simple to make. Top them with fresh fruit, chocolate, or your favorite holiday toppings for an impressive dessert that will wow your guests. Make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time for a stress-free holiday baking experience!
These Easy Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect sweet treat to add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings!
A Festive Delight
These Easy Mini Cheesecakes bring a festive flair to any gathering. Their adorable size makes them perfect for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as a sweet treat at the office. Each mini cheesecake is a bite-sized portion that allows your guests to indulge without feeling guilty. They are sure to be a hit and can be enjoyed in various ways to fit any occasion.
Incorporating flavors that reflect the season, these mini cheesecakes can be topped with fresh berries in the summer or spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg during the winter months. This adaptability ensures that they can serve as a delightful treat year-round.
Make Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining
One of the best aspects of these mini cheesecakes is their ability to be prepared ahead of time. By making them a day or two before your event, you can save time and reduce stress. Simply store them in the fridge until you're ready to serve. They will maintain their delicious flavor and creamy texture, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
The chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy filling that complements the buttery crust. Planning your dessert in advance means you can focus on other aspects of your gathering, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests.
Versatile Topping Options
The beauty of these mini cheesecakes lies in their versatility when it comes to toppings. While the classic mini cheesecake is delicious on its own, adding toppings elevates the experience. Fresh fruit adds a burst of color and flavor, while chocolate chips or drizzles can satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving. Whipped cream can enhance the creamy texture and make it extra indulgent.
Consider seasonal toppings to tie in with your holiday theme. For example, crushed peppermint candies make a delightful addition during the winter holidays, while a sprinkle of toasted coconut lends a tropical flair in the summer. Your guests will love the customization options, making each cheesecake unique to their taste.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Toppings (optional)
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
Mix ingredients thoroughly before combining.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
Make the Filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
Bake
Pour the filling over the crust in the muffin tin. Bake for 20 minutes, then allow to cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Serve
Top the mini cheesecakes with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Chill in the fridge for best results.
Storage Tips
To keep your mini cheesecakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, making them a convenient dessert option for impromptu gatherings or late-night cravings. If you plan to make them ahead for an event, be sure to wait until just before serving to add any toppings to maintain their texture and presentation.
For longer storage, you can freeze the un-topped mini cheesecakes. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and add toppings just before serving.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Change up the flavor of the mini cheesecakes by incorporating different extracts and mix-ins. Consider adding lemon or almond extract to the filling for a new twist. You can also swirl in fruit purees or chocolate ganache before baking for an exciting flavor combination that will delight your taste buds.
Another fun variation is to create a chocolate crust by using crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers. This gives a rich, chocolatey experience that's perfect for chocolate lovers. With endless possibilities, these mini cheesecakes cater to every palate, ensuring that everyone has something to enjoy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different kind of crust?
Yes! You can substitute graham crackers with Oreo cookies or any other cookie of your choice.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Easy Mini Cheesecakes
These Easy Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect sweet treat to add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings! With a creamy, velvety filling nestled in a buttery crust, these bite-sized delights are not only adorable but incredibly simple to make. Top them with fresh fruit, chocolate, or your favorite holiday toppings for an impressive dessert that will wow your guests. Make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time for a stress-free holiday baking experience!
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Toppings (optional)
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
Pour the filling over the crust in the muffin tin. Bake for 20 minutes, then allow to cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Top the mini cheesecakes with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 3g