Make the best mini cheesecake recipe with this simple guide for perfectly creamy, handheld desserts ideal for any party or simple indulgence.
Author:sarah_hearthbite
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.
Press about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin liner.
Bake the crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crusts, filling each liner about three-quarters full.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the mini cheesecakes cool inside the oven for 30 minutes. This prevents cracking.
Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Chill the mini cheesecake bites in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
For a New York style mini cheesecake, use full-fat cream cheese and avoid overbeating the batter after adding the eggs.
If you want quick cheesecake recipe results, chill for the minimum 4 hours, but overnight chilling improves the creamy texture.
Top with fruit topping, chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce before serving for simple cheesecake desserts.