Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe
These Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are the perfect fall dessert, featuring a creamy pumpkin-spiced filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked in a convenient muffin pan, they’re easy to serve and enjoy individually, making them ideal for parties or cozy nights in. The optional whipped cream topping adds a luscious finishing touch.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the mini cheesecakes.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Press approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each paper liner, creating a compact and even crust layer for each cheesecake.
- Bake the Crusts: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake the crusts for 5 minutes. This sets the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Pumpkin and Sugars: Add pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Egg and Spices: Add the egg, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed just until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain a creamy texture.
- Fill the Crusts: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the pre-baked crusts, filling each liner about three-quarters full to allow room for slight puffing during baking.
- Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the centers are set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before removal.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cheesecakes to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring they set properly.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to set fully and enhance the flavors.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, optionally top each cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overmix the filling after adding the egg to prevent cracking during baking.
- Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for best flavor.
- Allow cheesecakes to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
- The whipped cream topping is optional but adds a nice contrast to the spiced pumpkin.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: mini pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, bite-sized pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin spice, holiday desserts