Quick Cheesecake Bites – Creamy, Sweet & Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini cheesecake bites are the perfect dessert when you want the indulgence of cheesecake without committing to a whole cake. They bake quickly, chill beautifully, and are great for parties, gatherings, or even as a make-ahead treat. Plus, they freeze well, so you can keep a batch on hand for when sweet cravings hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham Cracker Crust:

• ⅔ cup graham cracker crumbs

• 3 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

• 1 ½ tablespoon granulated white sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or ⅛ teaspoon regular salt)

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

• ¼ cup sour cream (or mascarpone cheese as a substitute)

• ¼ cup granulated white sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with liners, or grease if not using liners.

2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of crust into each well of the muffin tin and press firmly with the end of a spoon to form a base. Bake for 4–5 minutes, then let cool.

3. Make the filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and silky.

4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling over each crust. Divide evenly among the wells.

5. Bake for 16–18 minutes, until the centers are set and no longer jiggle.

6. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.

7. Remove from the pan and serve as is or with toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 mini cheesecakes. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and total time is 30 minutes (plus chilling time).

Variations

• Add a swirl of fruit puree or jam before baking for a fruity twist.

• Top with chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, or lemon curd.

• Swap the graham crackers for chocolate cookies, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers for a different crust flavor.

• Stir in mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies to the filling for added texture.

• Make festive versions by topping with seasonal fruits or candies.

Storage/Reheating

Store cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, let them chill completely, then place on a tray and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. These are best served chilled and do not need reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, they’re perfect for making a day in advance since they need chilling time anyway.

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini one?

Yes, just bake a few minutes longer and expect about 12 larger cheesecakes instead of 24 minis.

How do I know when the cheesecakes are done baking?

The centers should look set and not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Can I make these without muffin liners?

Yes, just grease the muffin tin well, though liners make removal much easier.

What toppings work best for mini cheesecakes?

Fresh fruit, berry sauce, chocolate, caramel, lemon curd, or whipped cream are all excellent choices.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.

Why do my mini cheesecakes crack?

Overbaking or mixing the batter too much can cause cracks. They’ll still taste delicious, and toppings can easily cover them.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

Do mini cheesecakes need to be refrigerated?

Yes, store them chilled to keep the filling set and safe to eat.

Can I add flavors to the filling?

Definitely—try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or a swirl of peanut butter for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Mini cheesecake bites are a simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dessert that packs all the flavor of a full-sized cheesecake into a bite-sized treat. Easy to prepare, customizable with toppings, and perfect for parties or everyday indulgence, these little cheesecakes are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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