Mini Cheesecake: Easy Recipe, Calories, and Storage Guide
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 individual cheesecakes 1x
Description
These Mini Cheesecakes are creamy, rich, and perfectly portioned for an individual treat! Made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, luscious cheesecake filling, they are easy to make and ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a quick dessert. Customize with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or caramel sauce!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy touch)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chocolate sauce or caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
- Crushed cookies or nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a muffin tin with 6 cupcake liners.
2. Make the Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into the lined muffin cups, pressing firmly to create a solid base.
3. Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool while preparing the filling.
4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, egg, and sour cream, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Assemble & Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
6. Cool & Chill:
- Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully set.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
- Once chilled, remove from liners, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Everyone loves cheesecake, but sometimes, a full-sized one feels like too much. That’s where mini cheesecakes come in! These bite-sized delights deliver the same creamy texture and rich flavor but in a more manageable and fun-sized form.
They are perfect for parties, quick treats, or portion control, and the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you love a classic vanilla cheesecake, prefer chocolate variations, or want to experiment with fruit toppings, this guide will help you nail the perfect mini cheesecake every time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes (Substitutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (225g) | Softened, full-fat recommended |
| Sugar | ½ cup (100g) | Granulated |
| Eggs | 2 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure extract preferred |
| Graham crackers | 1 cup | Crushed (sub: Oreos, digestive biscuits) |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Melted |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup | Adds creaminess |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Optional, for a tangy flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
✔ Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
✔ Crush the graham crackers (or cookies) into fine crumbs.
✔ Mix with melted butter until it has a wet, sand-like texture.
✔ Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and distribute the crumb mixture evenly.
✔ Press the crust down firmly using the back of a spoon or a shot glass.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
✔ Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. This step is key to avoiding lumps in your batter.
✔ Add eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each. Overmixing will add too much air, causing cracks during baking.
✔ Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice. These add flavor depth and creaminess.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
✔ Pour the cheesecake batter evenly into the prepared crusts.
✔ Lightly tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove air bubbles.
✔ Bake for 18-20 minutes until the centers slightly jiggle but are set.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
✔ Let mini cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
✔ Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
✔ Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
How Many Calories Are in One?
If you’re watching your diet, you might wonder how many calories are in each.
Calorie Breakdown
A standard mini cheesecake contains 150-250 calories, depending on the ingredients and crust type.
- Cream cheese: 100-120 calories per mini cheesecake
- Sugar: 30-40 calories
- Eggs: 20-30 calories
- Crust (graham crackers + butter): 40-60 calories
💡 Want a lighter version?
✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
✔ Swap sugar for a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.
✔ Try almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb crust.
📌 If you love sweet, creamy desserts, you might also enjoy this Vanilla Strawberry Cake Recipe!
How Long Do Mini Cheesecakes Last in the Fridge?
Proper storage is essential to keep them fresh.
Refrigeration
✔ Store in an airtight container.
✔ They stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge.
✔ Keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
✔ Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap.
✔ Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
✔ Mini cheesecakes stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze without toppings for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
📌 For another delicious make-ahead dessert, try this Easy Coconut Cake Recipe—a moist and flavorful cake that pairs perfectly with mini cheesecakes!
What Do You Make Mini Cheesecakes In?
Mini cheesecakes can be made using different baking tools. Each method has unique benefits.
Best Baking Tools
✔ Muffin tin with cupcake liners – The easiest and most common method.
✔ Mini cheesecake pan – Has removable bottoms for easy release.
✔ Silicone molds – Great for no-bake cheesecakes.
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly grease pans for easier removal.
Alternative Baking Methods
- No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes
- Instead of baking, chill them in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
- Use a whipped cream-based filling to keep them firm.
- Springform Pan Cheesecakes
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, use a 6-inch springform pan to make a small full-sized cheesecake.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Cheesecakes
Creating the perfect mini cheesecake is about more than just following a recipe. Understanding the right techniques and avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cheesecakes come out smooth, creamy, and flawless.
How to Prevent Cracks in Mini Cheesecakes
One of the most frustrating problems when making cheesecakes is cracking. However, there are several ways to prevent cracks and maintain a smooth surface:
✔ Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly, leading to lumps and cracks.
✔ Mix gently – Overbeating incorporates excess air, which causes the cheesecakes to rise too much and then fall, creating cracks.
✔ Bake at a lower temperature – High heat can cause the cheesecakes to cook too quickly, leading to dryness and cracking.
✔ Cool gradually – A sudden temperature change can cause cracks. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let them cool inside for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
💡 Tip: If cracks still form, cover them with whipped cream, fruit compote, or chocolate ganache for a flawless finish.
Mini Cheesecake Flavor Variations to Try
Mini cheesecakes can be customized in endless ways. Whether you prefer chocolate, fruit, or a seasonal twist, here are some of the best variations to experiment with:
1. No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes
✔ Skip baking and let them set in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
✔ Use whipped cream and gelatin to help maintain structure.
✔ Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
2. Chocolate
✔ Add ½ cup of melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake batter.
✔ Use an Oreo crust instead of graham crackers for a double-chocolate effect.
3. Fruity
✔ Swirl in strawberry, raspberry, or mango puree before baking.
✔ Top with a dollop of fruit compote for an extra burst of flavor.
📌 For another delicious fruit dessert, check out this Raspberry Cupcake Recipe—a perfect complement to your cheesecakes
How to Serve Mini Cheesecakes
This dessert can be served on their own or with elegant presentation techniques to impress guests. Here’s how to make them stand out:
1. Plating Ideas
✔ Arrange them on a cake stand or a rustic wooden board.
✔ Dust them with powdered sugar for a delicate touch.
✔ Serve them with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added flair.
2. Best Beverage Pairings
✔ Coffee or espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
✔ Dessert wine – A light Moscato or Riesling pairs beautifully.
📌If you’re looking for more elegant dessert ideas, try this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe for another classic favorite!
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Mini Cheesecakes
What Do You Make Mini Cheesecakes In?
Mini cheesecakes can be made using different bakeware:
✔ Muffin tins with cupcake liners – The most common and easiest method.
✔ Mini cheesecake pans – These have removable bottoms for easy release.
✔ Silicone molds – Ideal for no-bake cheesecakes.
How Many Calories Are in One Mini Cheesecake?
A standard mini cheesecake contains 150-250 calories, depending on the ingredients.
- Cream cheese: 100-120 calories
- Sugar: 30-40 calories
- Eggs: 20-30 calories
- Crust (graham crackers + butter): 40-60 calories
💡 Tip: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and an almond flour crust for a lower-calorie option.
How Long Do Mini Cheesecakes Last in the Fridge?
✔ Refrigerated: Lasts 4-5 days in an airtight container.
✔ Frozen: Stays fresh for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
Can I Make Mini Cheesecakes Without an Oven?
Yes! No-bake mini cheesecakes are easy to make. Instead of baking, chill them in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
How Do I Prevent Mini Cheesecakes from Sinking?
✔ Don’t overmix the batter—this incorporates too much air.
✔ Let them cool gradually to prevent sinking in the center.
Can I Use Different Types of Crusts?
Absolutely! Try:
✔ Oreo cookie crust for a chocolatey base.
✔ Almond flour crust for a gluten-free option.
✔ Digestive biscuits for a less sweet alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Store Mini Cheesecakes for a Party?
✔ Keep them refrigerated until serving time.
✔ Use a cupcake carrier for easy transport.
Conclusion
Mini cheesecakes are a delightful and versatile dessert that can be customized in endless ways. Whether you choose the classic baked version, a no-bake option, or a flavored variation, these tiny treats are guaranteed to impress.
By using expert baking tips, selecting the best toppings, and following proper storage techniques, you’ll be able to create perfect mini cheesecakes every time.
Try making mini cheesecakes today, and enjoy a rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned dessert that everyone will love!