There’s something irresistible about cheesecake. Maybe it’s the rich, creamy texture or that perfect tangy-sweet balance. Whatever the magic, these Easy Mini Cheesecakes capture it all in one perfectly portioned bite. Inspired by that cheesecake you order every time you go out, but simplified so you can whip up a batch at home—no springform pans or water baths required.
These creamy cheesecake bites are ideal for entertaining, holidays, or those random Tuesdays when you just need a sweet fix. Bonus: they’re make-ahead friendly and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Mini Cheesecakes
- Quick to prep, bake, and chill.
- Silky smooth filling and buttery crust.
- Easily topped with fruit, sauce, or nothing at all.
- A mini cheesecake recipe that delivers big-time flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 1 1/2 cups biscuit or graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 10.5 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, room temp
Optional Toppings:
- Strawberry marmalade
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries)
How to Make These Creamy Cheesecake Bites
- Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.
- Crush biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix in melted butter until combined. Divide evenly between muffin liners and press down firmly.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese on low speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing to combine.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until just incorporated. Add vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. Mix again.
- Fold in sour cream and gently stir until smooth.
- Scoop filling into muffin cups (an ice cream scoop works great). Smooth the tops by tapping or shaking the pan lightly.
- Bake in the lower 2/3 of the oven for 15 minutes, until centers are just slightly jiggly.
- Cool in the pan at room temp, then refrigerate overnight.
- Top with strawberry marmalade and fresh berries—or serve plain and let the creamy filling shine.
Pro Tips for the Best Mini Cheesecake Recipe
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle mixing = smooth texture.
- Let everything come to room temperature before you start for the best results.
- Chill overnight for the ultimate cheesecake texture.
- Swap in chocolate or caramel sauce for a fun twist.
The Story Behind the Cheesecake Craving
I first made these mini cheesecakes for a baby shower, thinking they’d be a cute little treat. But as guests started asking for the recipe and sneaking seconds (and thirds), I realized these creamy bites were something special. Inspired by my favorite cheesecake slice from a certain factory-named restaurant, this version cuts the fuss but keeps all the flavor.
What to Serve With Easy Mini Cheesecakes
Serve them as-is for a classic bite, or dress them up with fruit, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream. They’re perfect alongside coffee, a dessert wine, or as part of a larger dessert tray at your next gathering.
How to Store and Serve Later
Store mini cheesecakes in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each one individually and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs: Let’s Answer Your Cheesecake Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?
You can, but the texture and richness won’t be the same.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free graham crackers and make sure your flour is GF.
Do they need to bake in a water bath?
Nope! The muffin-size format eliminates the need for that extra step.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight.
Final Note: Why These Easy Mini Cheesecakes Are a Must-Bake
From their buttery crust to the creamy, tangy filling, these Easy Mini Cheesecakes are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Whether you’re going for Cheesecake Factory-inspired elegance or keeping things delightfully simple, this mini cheesecake recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Bake a batch, share the joy, and maybe keep a secret stash in the back of the fridge—you deserve it.
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Easy Mini Cheesecakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Mini Cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned bites inspired by your favorite restaurant dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth cheesecake filling, they’re easy to make, customize, and serve for any occasion—no water bath or springform pan required.
Ingredients
For the Base:
-
1 1/2 cups biscuit or graham cracker crumbs
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
-
10.5 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs, room temperature
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
Optional Toppings:
-
Strawberry marmalade
-
Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.
-
Combine crushed biscuits/graham crumbs with melted butter. Divide into liners and press down firmly.
-
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in sugar.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
-
Stir in vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. Fold in sour cream gently.
-
Scoop filling into muffin cups and smooth tops.
-
Bake in lower 2/3 of oven for 15 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
-
Cool at room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate overnight.
-
Top with marmalade and fresh berries, or serve plain.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to avoid cracks and ensure a smooth texture.
Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly for a silkier filling.
Cheesecakes taste best after chilling overnight.
Try toppings like chocolate, caramel, or whipped cream for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
