These Mini Cheesecakes are the best you'll ever try! Made with a thick, crunchy cookie crust, they’re perfectly bite-sized, and the best part? No cupcake liners needed!
Cheesecakes have a special place in our family. My mother has been testing cheesecake recipes for YEARS in hopes of making "the best cheesecake ever". She purchased cheesecakes from the top restaurants in our area to do taste-test comparisons.
Yes, she was on a mission.
She refused to give away her "secret" recipe to those who asked. (And everyone asked.)
Until recently...
She graciously gave up her secret recipe so I am THRILLED to share it with you!
As expected, I converted her recipe meant for a regular sized cheesecake into mini bite-sized cheesecakes! Like my butter cake, they are the perfect dessert for a crowd or any party! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we have over the years! It is one of my most popular recipes for a reason. (Thanks ma!) :)i
Mini Cheesecakes Using Muffin Tins
Your classic cheesecake recipe uses a spring form pan and sometimes, a "water-bath" to prevent cracking and sinking. These methods definitely work when done right however they add extra steps and a mess that is a headache to deal with.
So I wanted to make these mini cheesecakes not only taste delicious but EASY to make.
To prevent the infamous cracking and sinking, I did one major thing...OPENED the oven door to slowly release the heat. The reason why cheesecakes crack is because if a sudden temperature drop going in the hot oven to a cool countertop. If you allow them to SLOWLY cool down, the cheese cakes wont sink nearly as much.
Another thing I don't use are muffin or cupcake liners like the other mini cheesecake recipes require. You can definitely use them if you want but I don't like the look of them.
Steps:
Step 1: Make your crust by adding your cream filled cookies, butter and cinnamon to a food processor until the mixture resembles wet sand. Next, add about a tablespoon to each muffin cup. Use a shot glass or your fingers to press down your crust. Bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Blend together your cream cheese, sour cream, cream, vanilla, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or standing mixer until smoother and creamy.
Step 3: Add your cheesecake batter to each muffin cup. I recommend using a mini cookie scoop to portion each out and keep your cheesecake cups neat.
Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes then turn OFF the oven and let continue to bake for another 13 minutes. The last 10 minutes crack the oven to allow the heat to slowly release. Allow to cool and top as desired!
Bake Time
Baking time is CRUCIAL when it comes to cheesecakes. They are very fussy and the even slightest temperature change can affect the appearance of your cheesecake. The best, or should I say "prettiest", cheesecakes are flat on top (not sunken in), have ZERO cracks and are not brown.
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About the bake time:
I technically only bake my mini cheesecakes for 5 minutes. But let them sit in the oven the remainder of the time, for a total of 28 minutes.
The first 5 minutes are at 350 degrees F, then I turn the oven OFF completely and let them sit in there for another 13 minutes. Finally, I crack the oven door open for another 10 minutes. This allows them to SLOWLY cool down preventing sinking.
Check out the difference in bake times below!
You can see in this photo the difference between leaving the mini cheesecakes in the oven the entire time at 350 degrees vs. just half the time, (or a temp. adjusted time). When you bake cheesecake batter at too high of a temperature too long, they rise fast, and FALL fast.
Quite a difference huh?
The Cookie Crust
How do you make mini cheesecakes without liners? By using a solid crust! It is crucial to not leave it out. It create a solid foundation for your mini cheesecake bites so you can pick them up without a fork.
You can make a cheesecake crust out of a few different things. Graham crackers is the most popular but Nilla wafers are a close runner up. But for years, I have been using cream filled COOKIES. Yes. Actual cookies like I used in my Bailey's Mini Cheesecake Recipe.
Creme filled cookies create a deliciously thick and crunchy crust that is too die for. And because cookies are already sweetened, I don't add any extra sugar to the crust.
*Crust Tip* Add your cookies to a plastic baggie and use a mallet to crush them up!
Topping Options
Cheesecakes are the most versatile dessert. Although these mini cheesecakes are amazing PLAIN, you can decorate them by adding any topping you wish!
For simplicity, I purchase a favorite store-bought canned pie filling to top my cheesecakes. There are some amazing canned fillings out there so why go through the extra effort if you don't need to?
Here are some of my favorite topping ideas you can use to top your mini cheesecakes:
- Freshly cut strawberries or blueberries
- Fruit pie filling (like I used here)
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts would be delicious)
- Shredded coconut
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate sauce
- Bourbon whipped cream
- Pumpking whipped cream
- Caramel
- Crushed Oreo's
Storing Tips
Storing your mini cheesecakes can be tricky because you do NOT want to squish them. The good thing is, cheesecake freezes incredibly well.
So if you want them to keep for a few days, place them on a flat baking sheet, plate or just keep them in the original muffin pan, and cover them with plastic wrap.
If you want to keep them for weeks or up to 2 months, you will want to freeze them. To do this, add them to a freezer safe container with parchment paper between the layers. This way you can stack them without having them stick together.
Recipe FAQs:
When you cool cheesecakes too quickly, they tend to sink. Stick to the specific temperature and baking time mentioned in the directions to prevent that from happening. No short-cuts allowed! 🙂
You can however the bake time will need to be longer. I have not tested them yet in larger tins but will update this post when I do!
Yes of course! Nothing will change other than adding them to the tin before you add you crust.
Aleka's Tips
Baking is always tricky so following these tips will ensure your mini cheesecakes come out perfect every time.
- Use the best full fat cream cheese you can find. I love Philadelphia cream cheese.
- Don't skip out on steps or leave out ingredients!
- Wait until your cheesecakes cool completely before removing them.
- Greasing your muffin tins will help them slide out but its not necessary.
- Make sure you wait until your oven reaches the right temp before throwing in your cheesecakes.
- Make your crust nice and thick so you can remove them easily.
- Place your cheesecakes on the middle rack of your oven.
- No peeking! You do not want to let too much hot air out of the oven which could affect the bake time or cheesecake's appearance.
Other Cheesecake Flavored Desserts:
📖 Recipe
The BEST Mini Cheesecakes (with Cookie Crust)
Ingredients
Cheesecake Batter
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz.)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon cream
- 2 egg yolks
Cookie Crust
- 14 vanilla cream filled sandwich cookies ((any brand))
- 8 tablespoon butter, melted ((1 stick))
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a food processor, puree your cookies, melted butter and cinnamon well. Stop to scrape down the sides a few times.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of crust mixture to each muffin tin. (or distribute crust evenly amongst 24 tins). Use the bottom of a shot glass, or your fingers, to firmly press down each crust.
- Bake your cookie crust for 5 minutes and then set aside.
- Add all your cheesecake batter ingredients, besides the cream and egg yolks. Mix on HIGH speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the edges of your bowl and mix again for another minute.
- Add your egg yolks and cream and mix again until fully combined.
- Use a mini ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter. Fill each tin ¾ of the way full.
- Bake for 5 minutes on the middle rack and then turn OFF the oven leaving the cheesecakes inside. Set your timer for 13 minutes. Do not open the oven!
- After 13 minutes, crack open the oven door for another 10 minutes. This allows the cheesecakes to cool down slowly preventing sinking.
- After 10 minutes is up, pull out your cheesecakes allowing them to cool before removing them. (They should pop right out using a knife.) Top with topping of your choice.
- Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 6-8 weeks.
Recipe Notes
- Freshly cut strawberries or blueberries
- Fruit pie filling (like I used here)
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts would be delicious)
- Shredded coconut
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Caramel
- Crushed Oreo's
Alexis
This is my favorite recipe and I get asked about it all the time. I want to make a whole cheesecake with this recipe and I was wondering on the timing and how much longer I need to cook it!
Aleka Shunk
Yes you can make a whole cheesecake! The timing for cheesecakes is normally 45-60 minutes but it depends on the thickness and size of your pan.
Erin
I’m planning to try a pumpkin cheesecake later today and trying to use your tips to avoid having to use liners- do you make the crust into kind of a “cup” inside the tins or completely flatten it? I can’t quite tell from the pictures or instructions.
Aleka Shunk
Hi! Yes you want to make them into a little cup-like bowl with slightly raised edges! 🙂 I find this makes it better for holding and removing!
Melissa
I love the way these turn out and I'm not even a cheesecake person. My husband has requested a chocolate version of these for his upcoming birthday, what would you recommend I add to this recipe to turn it chocolate? I've already decided to use the chocolate oreos for the crust, I'm just not sure what could easily be added into the filling to make it chocolate and not mess them up.
Aleka Shunk
Hi Melissa! I am so glad you both enjoyed them! 🙂 I would definitely add cocoa powder to the filling. Make the filling according to the instructions in my recipe then, mix in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder at a time until you get the chocolate flavor you like. (This will require taste testing the raw batter so do so at your own salmonella risk). If you want to leave the eggs out first to taste test then add them in after you've achieved the flavor you like, that would work too! 🙂 Let me know how they turn out and how much you used and I'll add a note to this post for others! 😉
Angela MAUS
Made these and they are fantastic! I forgot to cook the crust on the second batch but since I used cupcake liners it didn't seem to hurt it any. My son ate all the Oreos so I used salted caramel chocolate I had on hand from Kroger. Delish!
Aleka Shunk
Hi Angela! Oh that's good to know. That sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jami Lahr
Hello, I love your recipe for the plain mini cheesecakes. I am wondering if you have any suggestions for my crust. I followed the recipe as directed and my mini muffin liners always look greasy (buttery) on the bottoms. The butter soaks right through. Curious if I am supposed to do something different.
Thanks!!
Aleka Shunk
Hi Jami! Thanks so much for your comment! I typically do not use liners when I make them so I have not noticed that. If you like using them, I would recommend simply using less butter! Because you have the liners, the crust does not need as much butter (which helps to hold the crust together)! Let me know if this helps!! 🙂
Jam Lahr
Thank you for the suggestion! This is the best cheesecake I've ever had!!
Aleka Shunk
Jam, I am so glad you like it!! 🙂
Lynne Hamblin
I used lemon filled cookies, with a mini blueberry compote. Soooooo yummy!!!
Aleka Shunk
That's a great idea! I am so glad you enjoyed them! 🙂
Jean
What size cup cake pan do you use?
Aleka Shunk
Hi Jean! Good question! (I will add that in the notes!) I used a MINI cupcake pan. Some may be a bit larger than others. I actually have two different pans. One has cups that are 2" in diameter and the other has cups that are about 1 3/4".
Veronica Carr
I'm very excited about this recipe! My only question is, how do you get them out of pan after they cool? Mine are cooking now, but I keep trying to figure out how to get them out without breaking them up. My pan is super non-stick, but it still seems like they won't just slide out individually, and I don't want to turn the pan to drop them out. Anyway, I'd love to hear your tricks.
Aleka Shunk
Hi Veronica! As the crust cools, it will harden making them easy to pop out with a knife. I like to use a steak knife (since the top is pointed) and gently slip it down the edge of the cheesecake until it loosens the bottom. They they should slide right out. Let me know how it goes and how you liked them! 🙂
Kathleen Pope
These look fabulous, Aleka!! Can't wait to try them for an upcoming social distancing tea party we're doing!! Hope you are doing well my friend!
Aleka Shunk
Thank you Kathleen!:) That sounds so much fun! Let me know how they turn out!