Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Dreamy Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting delectable small batch mini cheesecakes awakens my inner dessert enthusiast with pure joy.

Compact yet irresistible, these petite treats deliver maximum flavor in adorable individual portions.

Sweet cream cheese blends seamlessly with a buttery graham cracker base, creating miniature masterpieces perfect for intimate gatherings.

Each delicate bite promises creamy indulgence without overwhelming your palate.

Surprisingly simple to prepare, these miniature delights require minimal ingredients and equipment.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making them ideal for spontaneous baking adventures.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these charming cheesecakes come together, tempting you to savor every delightful morsel.

Mini Cheesecake Baking Tips in Small Batches

  • Use a food processor or place biscuits in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin to achieve fine, even crumbs for a perfect base texture.
  • Gently fold the egg into the cheesecake mixture to prevent over-beating, which can cause cracks and a dense texture during baking.
  • Watch the cheesecakes closely in the final minutes of baking; a slightly jiggly center indicates they're done and will continue setting while cooling.
  • Experiment with different cookie types for the crust or add a splash of flavored extract like almond or orange to personalize the cheesecake filling.
  • Ensure cream cheese and egg are at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly.

Store Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

  • Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent cracking.
  • Add fresh berries or whipped cream just before serving to refresh the cheesecakes and enhance their appearance.

What to Serve with Mini Cheesecakes

  • Pair with Fruity Prosecco: Pop open a chilled, light prosecco with hints of peach and apple to complement the creamy cheesecake's tangy notes, creating a refreshing and elegant dessert experience.
  • Match with Berry Compote: Top these mini cheesecakes with a homemade mixed berry compote featuring strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to enhance the dessert's natural sweetness and add vibrant color.
  • Create a Coffee Contrast: Serve alongside a smooth, medium-roast espresso or cappuccino, which cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and provides a delightful bitter counterpoint to the sweet treat.
  • Garnish with Candied Lemon Zest: Sprinkle delicate candied lemon zest on top to echo the lemon juice in the recipe, adding a bright, zesty crunch that elevates the cheesecake's flavor profile.

Mini Cheesecakes with Small Batch Tweaks

  • Gluten-Free Mini Cheesecakes: Replace traditional biscuits with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this dessert.
  • Vegan Cheesecake Bites: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and replace egg with a flax egg or silken tofu for a plant-based version.
  • No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes: Skip the baking process by using gelatin or agar-agar to set the filling, creating a quick and cool summer dessert that requires no oven time.
  • Keto-Friendly Mini Cheesecakes: Use almond flour or crushed nuts for the base, replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, and ensure all ingredients are high-fat and low-carb compatible.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of biscuits for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or any crisp cookie will work well. Just ensure they’re finely crushed for a uniform base.

  • What if I don't have Greek yogurt or sour cream?

You can substitute with plain cream cheese or use additional cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture. The slight tanginess might be slightly reduced.

  • How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly jiggly centers and edges that appear set. They should not be completely firm when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue cooking and set while cooling.

  • Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance party planning or meal prep.

Mini Cheesecakes That Are Creamy, Cute, And Perfect For Sharing

  • Craft Perfectly Portioned Desserts: Small batch mini cheesecakes offer precise individual servings for those wanting controlled sweet treats.
  • Minimal Time Investment: Quick preparation takes just 30 minutes, with simple baking and chilling process perfect for busy home bakers looking for delightful desserts.
  • Beginner-Friendly Recipe: Straightforward steps require basic kitchen skills, making these mini cheesecakes ideal for novice cooks wanting to explore baking without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Entertaining Option: Compact cheesecakes work wonderfully for intimate gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties where guests appreciate personalized dessert portions.

Ingredients Inside Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers, Digestive Biscuits: Provides a classic, crunchy foundation for the cheesecake, with a buttery sweet base. Choose crisp, fresh cookies for the best texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds richness. Melted butter ensures even mixing and a compact crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, creamy heart of the cheesecake. Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the best consistency.
  • Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a lighter, more delicate texture. Full-fat versions provide the best flavor and smoothness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese. White sugar ensures a pure, clean sweetness.
  • Large Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the filling. Use fresh, room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the cheesecake. Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a subtle citrus note. Fresh lemon juice is preferable to bottled.

Cheesecake Assembly for Mini Small Batch Bakes

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Break graham crackers into a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag.

Smash the crackers using a rolling pin until they transform into fine, sandy crumbs.

This process creates the perfect foundation for your mini cheesecakes.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crust Base

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter

Blend the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press this delectable mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin liner, creating a compact and even layer that will serve as the cheesecake’s delicious bottom.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

  • Cream cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Egg

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice.

Whisk these ingredients until they become silky smooth.

Gently fold in the egg, stirring just until incorporated to maintain a light, airy texture.

Step 4: Bake Delicate Cheesecakes

Pour the creamy filling evenly across the prepared crusts in the muffin tin.

Slide the tray into a preheated oven and bake until the centers have a gentle wiggle but appear set around the edges.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and let them firm up for several hours.

The cheesecakes will develop a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

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Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy mini cheesecakes bring Italian-style dessert magic to home kitchens with minimal effort. Perfectly portioned and rich with cream cheese goodness, these little delights invite sweet moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 220 grams (7.75 ounces) cream cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 75 grams (2.65 ounces) biscuits (e.g., digestive or graham crackers)
  • 50 grams (1.75 ounces) greek yogurt or sour cream

Sweeteners and Flavors:

  • 45 grams (1.6 ounces) sugar
  • 12 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Binding and Preparation Ingredients:

  • 30 grams (1.05 ounces) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Transform graham crackers or digestive biscuits into fine, powdery crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin technique.
  2. Integrate melted butter with the crumb mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coating throughout the crumbs.
  3. Carefully distribute the buttery crumb blend into lined or greased muffin cavities, pressing firmly to create a compact, even base layer.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, incorporate cream cheese with Greek yogurt, allowing for smooth, luxurious texture development.
  5. Whisk the dairy components with granulated sugar, introducing vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor profile.
  6. Gently fold in the egg, maintaining a delicate stirring motion to prevent over-mixing and preserve the filling’s silky consistency.
  7. Distribute the creamy filling uniformly across the prepared crumb foundations, ensuring balanced portion sizes.
  8. Position the muffin tin in a preheated oven, maintaining a consistent temperature for precise baking results.
  9. Monitor the mini cheesecakes during baking, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center indicating optimal doneness.
  10. Extract from the oven and allow natural cooling at room temperature, permitting gradual temperature reduction.
  11. Transfer to the refrigerator, allowing several hours of chilling to achieve complete structural setting and flavor melding.

Notes

  • Choose graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a classic crust, but experiment with chocolate or nut-based cookies for unique flavor profiles.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smoother, silkier filling texture.
  • Use a light hand when mixing the egg to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking during baking.
  • Place a shallow pan of water in the oven during baking to create a gentle steam environment, helping prevent surface cracks and promoting even cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
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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