Mini Cheesecakes (Easy Muffin-Tin Cheesecakes)
Mini cheesecakes are the easiest cheesecake there is — baked in a muffin tin with paper liners, they need no water bath and no springform pan. Each one is perfectly portioned, bakes in under 20 minutes, and you can top them a dozen different ways. They’re foolproof, party-ready, and far more forgiving than a full-size cheesecake.
The Quick Version
- No water bath, no springform — just a lined muffin tin.
- Paper liners make them lift right out.
- Don’t overbake — pull while the centers jiggle.
- Top any way you like — berries, lemon curd, caramel, chocolate.
How to make them
- Heat oven to 325°F (165°C); line a muffin tin. Press 1 tbsp graham crust into each liner.
- Beat cream cheese + sugar smooth; add sour cream and vanilla, then eggs one at a time on low.
- Divide among the liners, nearly full.
- Bake 16–20 minutes until centers just set. Cool, then chill 3+ hours.
Foolproof tip: the small dip that forms in the center as they cool is perfect for a spoonful of fruit, lemon curd, or salted caramel.
Frequently asked questions
Do mini cheesecakes need a water bath?
No — they bake quickly and evenly in a muffin tin. Just bake at 325°F and pull while the centers jiggle.
How do you get them out of the pan?
Use paper liners — they lift right out once chilled. Without liners, chill fully and run a knife around each.
Why did they sink?
A slight sink is normal (great for toppings). Excessive sinking is overbaking or overbeating — mix on low, don’t overbake.
Mini Cheesecakes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325F (165C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter, press about 1 tablespoon into each liner.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then beat in the sour cream and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, just until combined.
- Divide the filling among the liners, nearly full.
- Bake 16-20 minutes until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle. Cool, then chill at least 3 hours. Top as you like.
More cheesecakes
Want a full one? See our classic baked cheesecake or no-bake cheesecake.
