Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Recipe

The Perfect Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Lovers

These delectable mini pecan pie cheesecakes combine the richness of creamy desserts with nutty Southern charm.

Unexpected flavors dance across your palate in each delightful bite.

Sweet cream cheese mingles perfectly with caramelized pecans.

Decadent layers create a dessert that feels like pure indulgence.

Seasonal warmth radiates through every small, perfectly crafted treat.

Crisp graham cracker crusts provide a delicious foundation for this irresistible confection.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that promises pure comfort and joy.

Mini Pecan Cheesecake Basics

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation for the cheesecake with a rich, buttery flavor.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Eggs: Helps bind and set the cheesecake filling, creating a smooth consistency.
Pecan Topping:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
  • Corn Syrup: Creates a glossy, sticky texture that helps bind the pecan layer.
  • Chopped Pecans: Provides nutty crunch and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky pecan topping.

Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Prep Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank the oven to 325°F and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Grab your baking spray and give each liner a quick spritz to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Crunchy Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the cracker crumbs.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner, creating a solid base for your mini cheesecakes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Base

Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly into the prepared liners.

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the centers are almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Concoct the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Heavy cream
  • Chopped pecans

Stir until the ingredients form a rich, glossy mixture.

Step 6: Add the Nutty Finale

Remove the baked cheesecakes from the oven.

Carefully spoon the pecan topping over each mini cheesecake.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the topping sets and looks glossy.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Allow the mini pecan pie cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Serve chilled and watch everyone swoon over these delectable treats.

Mini Pecan Cheesecakes – Tips For Perfect Bites

  • Use a food processor or place graham crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a stable cheesecake base.
  • Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing eggs to ensure a smooth, crack-free surface for your mini pies.
  • Warm ingredients slightly before combining to help brown sugar dissolve completely, creating a silky, even caramel-like topping.
  • Place muffin tin in a larger pan filled with hot water to create gentle, even heat that prevents cheesecake from drying out or cracking.
  • These mini cheesecakes can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container, making them perfect for advance party preparation.

Keep Mini Pecan Cheesecakes Cool and Ready to Reheat

  • Store mini pecan pie cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover each cheesecake with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Bring refrigerated cheesecakes to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent soggy crust.
  • For best flavor and texture, consume within 3-4 days of preparation. Garnish with fresh whipped cream or additional chopped pecans if desired.

What Treats Pair with Mini Pecan Cheesecakes

  • Pair with Sweet Bourbon Cocktail: Craft a smooth bourbon cocktail with caramel notes that perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavors of the mini pecan pie cheesecakes.
  • Create Cinnamon Coffee Companion: Brew a warm, spiced coffee with a hint of cinnamon that enhances the dessert's sweet and toasty pecan undertones.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cheesecakes to balance their intense sweetness and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
  • Select Caramel Drizzle Topping: Add a light drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over the dessert to elevate the depth of flavors and create a luxurious finishing touch.

Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Flavorful Spins

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu.
  • Low-Sugar Variation: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free corn syrup alternative for diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Skip pecans and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these mini pecan pie cheesecakes 1-2 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and add the pecan topping just before serving to maintain the best texture and taste.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these mini cheesecakes?

You’ll need a muffin tin and muffin liners. A hand mixer or stand mixer is helpful for beating the cream cheese mixture smoothly, but you can also use a whisk with some extra arm strength.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and bake at the right temperature. Also, let the cheesecakes cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.

  • Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Are Sweet Bites Of Fall Bliss

  • Quickest Dessert Solution: Combines two beloved desserts in one compact, single-serving treat that eliminates complicated baking processes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Offers irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake texture with rich, nutty pecan pie flavor that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
  • Impressive Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in refrigerator, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations without last-minute stress.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adjusting pecan topping quantities to suit individual preferences.
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Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy mini pecan pie cheesecakes combine Southern charm with indulgent dessert magic. Rich, nutty pecans and silky cheesecake create a perfectly balanced treat that delights your palate with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Meticulously line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing for uniform mini cheesecakes.
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, blend thoroughly with melted butter to create a cohesive crust mixture.
  3. Gently press the buttery cracker mixture into each liner, compacting firmly to form a solid base layer.
  4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract.
  5. Introduce eggs one at a time, blending carefully to maintain a silky cheesecake batter without overmixing.
  6. Delicately distribute the creamy cheesecake mixture across prepared crusts, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
  7. Bake until centers are slightly jiggly but set, indicating perfect cheesecake consistency.
  8. Meanwhile, construct the pecan topping by whisking brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream into a glossy caramel-like sauce.
  9. Fold toasted pecans into the luxurious syrup, ensuring each nut is generously coated.
  10. After initial baking, carefully spoon the pecan mixture atop each mini cheesecake.
  11. Return to oven for a brief final bake, allowing the topping to caramelize and set.
  12. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  13. Refrigerate for several hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.

Notes

  • Customize the crust by swapping graham crackers with gingersnap or chocolate cookie crumbs for a unique flavor twist.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracks by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the batter.
  • Enhance the pecan topping’s richness by lightly toasting pecans beforehand to release their deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Make the dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or almond flour for the crust base.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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