This easy Cheesecake Cupcakes recipe (mini cheesecakes) is simple to make and customize! They are freezer friendly and perfect for any dessert table, birthday party or baby shower. Try Oreo or Strawberry variations, too!
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It’s no secret here that I’m a cheesecake fanatic.
No bake cheesecakes, baked cheesecakes, cheesecake cupcakes, cheesecake brownies, mini cheesecakes or cheesecake cheese ball — just give me all the cream cheese-based desserts and no one gets hurt.
Cheesecake is one of the perfect desserts, in my mind, because it’s easy to make ahead (actually, it has to be made ahead!), it usually freezes well and you can make any variation you want.
Plus, it’s creamy and dreamy 😉
I love these cheesecake cupcakes for a holiday or party, because you can make a big batch of add a few to a dessert tray for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or you can make one big batch with 3 or 4 varieties easily, without having to prep any other dessert recipe. (See my notes on flavour variations below!)
I based these mini cheesecakes off of my Best Vanilla Cheesecake recipe, because it just made sense. These are the best cheesecake cupcakes: they are smooth, luscious (the sour cream or yogurt makes them super light!), and no fuss. Plus they bake perfectly in much less time than a regular cheesecake!
Popular Cheesecake Recipes on The Recipe Rebel:
- No Bake White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Cherry Cheesecake Angel Food Cake Roll
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
- Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
How to make Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes:
To make Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes, crush Oreo cookies to make 1 cup of Oreo crumbles and stir into the cheesecake batter before baking.
Bake as per the instructions.
How to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes:
Add ½ cup chopped strawberries to the cheesecake batter before baking. Bake as per the instructions.
Before serving, toss 1 cup of chopped strawberries with 1 teaspoon sugar and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Spoon strawberries over cheesecakes and top with whipped cream.
How to freeze Cheesecake Cupcakes:
To freeze these mini cheesecakes, place into an air tight freezer-safe container once they are completely cool. Freeze up to 3 months.
To thaw and serve, place on a plate at room temperature for about 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for about 6 hours until thawed through. Serve as desired.
Other variations of cheesecake cupcakes:
There’s no limit to the ways you can serve these mini cheesecakes! Try these other variations:
- Salted caramel sauce with toffee bites
- Fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, etc — anything goes!
- Apple pie filling and whipped cream
- Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and a drizzle of chocolate
- Add in the zest of 1 lemon to the cheesecake batter before baking
I’d love to hear how you would serve them! What are your favorite cheesecake toppings?
Cheesecake Cupcakes
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup butter melted
Cheesecake
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 8oz/250g packages) room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line 20 muffin cups with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Divide between liners and press into the bottom firmly. Bake for 10 minutes until dry in the center. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the sugar, sour cream, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, 2-3 minutes.
- Divide evenly between muffin cups (they should be about almost full). Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the centers are nearly set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours until chilled before serving as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Pam says
Does it taste a whole lot different if you use the yogurt instead of sour cream?
Ashley Fehr says
No they taste very similar 🙂
Lisa says
How do you make the topping?
Ashley Fehr says
It is just whipped cream: https://www.thereciperebel.com/whipped-cream/
Staci says
What is the serving size for the nutrition info?
Ashley Fehr says
The nutrition information is per cheesecake
Kelsey says
Can you leave out the lemon juice?
Ashley Fehr says
Yep!
Isabella says
Hi Ashley! I have made these cheesecakes numerous times and I love them!! Just a question though- how long do these stay good in the fridge? Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that! I would say maybe a week? The crust may not be as crisp after the first day or two, but they should technically last quite a while. They also freeze great!
Laura says
Are the cupcake tins the regular size or are they mini cupcake tins. Can’t wait to try them.
Ashley Fehr says
They are regular muffin tin size 🙂
Vicki says
Hi Ashley, I know you answered this already, but I do see in the description it mentions mini cupcakes, but reply says you used regular muffin tins, which is where I’m curious, does this recipe actually make 20 regular muffin size cheesecakes? Thanks much.
Ashley Fehr says
It doesn’t mention mini cupcakes, it says these are mini cheesecakes, which they are, since they are made in a muffin tin
Rolanda Waters says
I have made these mini cheesecakes numerous times. My only issue is when I take them out the oven, and let them cool, the center caves in every time. What am doing wrong? I just disguise it by filling the dent with whipped cream and topping it with fruit.
Ashley Fehr says
Mine do sink down a little but not a lot. I don’t think there’s anything wrong! If you want, you could try adding a tablespoon of flour to the filling before baking
Celia says
I am glad I read the comments. I also thought they were mini cheesecakes.
Ashley Fehr says
They are regular cupcake size 🙂
Robyn Brooks says
Thanks so much for the recipe…it certainly is delicious but the one issue I’ve had both times I’ve used it is shrinkage. Once they are removed from the oven to cool in the pan, they shrink alot. Is there any way to avoid this ?
Ashley Fehr says
They will sink down slightly, yes, but they should be the same size as they are in the photos above.
Sharon says
If you incorporate the eggs one at a time just until blended and don’t beat them, that might help. I like to leave my cheesecake in the oven with the door propped open after I turn it off. Once the oven has cooled, I take it out. I don’t refrigerate until totally cooled. That usually keeps it from cracking. I’m going to try that when I make these tonight.
Karen says
Made these tonight. They turned out perfect. This recipe is definitely a keeper. I did have to bake them an extra five minutes but all ovens are different. Thanks so much!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Karen! I’m glad they turned out well!
Melinda says
These are always a hit when I make them. I use the same ingredients as listed, and also add different toppings and ideas as I go along. So very delicious, and everyone loves the convenience of just grabbing a cupcake instead of cutting a whole entire cake.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe !
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Melinda!
Andrea says
I was really surprised at how tart these are. I think I will skip the lemon next time. Love the texture and works great with gluten free grahams. I also used lactose free cream cheese and sour cream.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Andrea! The recipe is not tart. Lactose free dairy is tart, which is why they turned out that way.
Mj says
What is the topping/ frosting?
Ashley Fehr says
Just sweetened whipped cream
Jessica says
Could you use light cream cheese and light sour cream for these? Making them for my daughters birthday and want to accommodate for those that are dieting if possible.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, since they are baked that should work fine!
Terri Gross says
Hi Ashley, I would like to make mini cheese cakes. How long do I cook them in the oven .
Ashley Fehr says
I haven’t tested this recipe in mini form, so you will just have to watch for doneness.
Jeanette says
These are RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS! Added my mother-in-law’s homemade strawberry jam on top and poof, they were gone!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jeanette!
Lauren says
Great recipe. Really delicious
Fun Fact: Cheesecake aren’t entirely American, they are originally from Ancient Greece.
Emily says
Can you refrigerate these over night ?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, they are great for making ahead!
Kate says
Do you have to refrigerate after they are made
Ashley Fehr says
Yes they should be refrigerated to store. They will last a few hours at room temperature
Joyce says
Did you use cupcake size or mini size tin?
Lynn says
Hi Joyce
I have made these many times and always use the mini liners. I love them with pure raspberry preserves or caramel on top. Mmmm!
Good luck and enjoy!
Ashley Fehr says
Cupcake size
Jasmine S says
Hi Ashley,
I am wondering if I could hand mix my cheesecake batter? if so, any advice? 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, for this recipe you can! I would just make sure your cream cheese is a little on the warm side so it mixes smoothly
Barbara says
Can you make these without the lemon juice?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, definitely 🙂
Jasmine says
If I wanted to add chopped Reese’s could I put it in the cheesecake batter?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, that would work great!
Kaelyn says
its a little dry have any tips
Rick says
Could I use flavored yogurt or would that be too sweet? Thanks
Ashley Fehr says
I think it would work fine!
BUnny says
Will the cream cheese in tubs work the same?
Ashley Fehr says
I’ve never tried with the tubs of cream cheese. As long as it is not whipped or spreadable I would think it would work okay
Heather Gilmer says
Making these today! Can’t wait! What are you topping them with in the video? Is it a frosting or whipped topping?
Ashley Fehr says
It is just real sweetened whipped cream. I hope you enjoy them!