No Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Ingredients needed

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

1. Graham Crackers – For the best texture and flavor, grind whole graham crackers yourself rather than using store-bought graham cracker crumbs. They produce a coarser base that holds up better and adds that signature crunch.
2. Cream Cheese – Philadelphia brand cream cheese is a reliable favorite for its smooth texture and balanced tang. Be sure to use the full-fat block variety—not the spreadable kind in tubs—which contains stabilizers that can prevent your no-bake cheesecake filling from setting properly. Block-style, full-fat cream cheese always gave the richest flavor and firmest set, while tub or reduced-fat versions turned out too soft.
3. Brown Sugar – Dark brown sugar is ideal for the crust, adding not only sweetness but also extra moisture and a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the tangy cheesecake filling beautifully.
4. Confectioners’ Sugar - It dissolves easily into the cream cheese, keeping the filling smooth. It also contains a small amount of cornstarch, which helps stabilize and thicken.
5. Lemon Juice – Just a touch of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire filling, enhancing the tanginess of the cream cheese and balancing the sweetness without making it taste overly lemony.
6. Vanilla Extract – A splash of pure vanilla extract brings warm, cozy undertones that round out the flavors and give the filling a more classic cheesecake taste.
7. Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream adds a subtle tang and creamy richness to the filling. Alternatively, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt, which offers a similar texture and flavor while adding a bit of protein.
8. Butter – Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs and helps the crust set firmly once chilled.

How to make no-bake mini cheesecakes?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

Step 7 - Refrigerate pan for at least 8 hours to firm up.

Pro tip: Refrigerate the individual cheesecake bites for at least 8 hours, but overnight is better. This makes for a great make-ahead dessert!

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese - Let your Philadelphia cream cheese sit out until fully softened for a smooth, creamy filling. Short on time? Microwave it for about 20 seconds at 50% power.
• Choose Brick-Style, Full-Fat Cream Cheese - Always use full-fat brick cream cheese—not the spreadable kind in tubs. The brick version provides the structure you need, especially since this recipe doesn’t use gelatin.
• Swap Sour Cream with Greek Yogurt - Plain full-fat Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for sour cream, adding creaminess with a slight tang.
• Stick to a Standard Muffin Pan - Use a regular muffin pan with liners for the perfect size and portion—mini muffin pans won’t work well here.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy - For best texture and flavor, stick to full-fat cream cheese and yogurt (or sour cream). Reduced-fat versions may not set as firmly.
• Serve Cold - Keep the no bake mini cheesecakes refrigerated and only remove them right before serving to maintain their firmness.
• Remove Liners Carefully - When peeling off the paper liners, go slow and gently to avoid pulling off the graham cracker crust.
• Graham Cracker Crumb - You’ll need about 4 full sheets of graham crackers to make ½ cup of crumbs. Grinding your own gives the best texture and flavor.
• Chill Overnight – For the best results, let the cheesecake bites chill overnight. This gives the crust time to set properly and ensures the filling firms up into a creamy, stable texture.
  

Topping Ideas

While no-bake mini cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and delicious all on their own, they also make the perfect base for fun and festive toppings. Here are some of the best topping ideas to elevate your cheesecake bites:

• Fresh Fruit – Brighten things up with fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. In summer, go tropical with fresh mango, peaches, or kiwi.
• Pie Fillings – A spoonful of pie filling adds instant flavor and visual appeal. Try cherry, strawberry, blueberry, or apple (like the one used in our Apple Hand Pies). It’s especially perfect for fall or Thanksgiving gatherings.
• Whipped Cream – A swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft and creamy contrast. For a twist, try brown sugar whipped cream like the one used in our Sweet Potato Pie—it’s next-level good!
• Chocolate Ganache or Sauce – Drizzle with rich melted chocolate, silky ganache, or even Nutella for a decadent finish that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Caramel Sauce – A generous drizzle of caramel or dulce de leche adds buttery sweetness. Top it off with crushed toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch.
• Candied Nuts – Chopped candied walnuts or the stovetop candied pecans add texture, flavor, and a touch of holiday flair.
• Fruit Preserves or Jam – A dollop of raspberry, fig, or apricot preserves offers a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor with almost no effort.
• Cranberry Sauce – For a Thanksgiving-worthy topping, spoon over some homemade cranberry orange sauce. Its tangy-sweet profile pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Freezing mini cheesecakes

Freezing is a great way to prep mini cheesecakes ahead of time for parties, holidays, or whenever a sweet craving hits. Avoid adding toppings before freezing.

How to freeze?

More easy cheesecake recipes

If you love easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, no-bake cheesecakes are a perfect choice that require little effort but deliver big flavor. These are like cheesecake cupcakes!

• No Bake Mini Chocolate Cheesecake bites feature a rich chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy chocolate filling, and a decadent ganache topped with cocoa whipped cream—a chocolate lover’s dream.
• Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are a seasonal hit with their creamy pumpkin filling and warm fall spices, especially delicious topped with fluffy cinnamon whipped cream for a cozy touch.
• For a truly indulgent treat, Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes combine a buttery pecan crust, silky filling, and gooey caramel pecan sauce—an ultimate holiday dessert perfect for Thanksgiving and festive gatherings.