Mini New York Cheesecakes are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both simple and impressive. With a creamy filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and endless topping options, they’re perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll whip up these bite-sized treats like a pro.

I have to tell you, cheesecake is hands down my favorite dessert. There’s just something about that rich, creamy texture and that signature tang from the sour cream that makes New York-style cheesecake unbeatable. It’s less sweet than other cheesecakes, but that’s what makes it so perfect—the balance of flavors is just right.
The best part? This recipe is way easier than making a full-sized cheesecake. No springform pans, no water bath, no stress. Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Whether you’re making these for a party or just a little personal treat (because, let’s be real, sometimes you just need cheesecake), this mini cheesecake recipe will hit the spot.
If you are looking for more easy dessert recipes that look fancy, check out my Pear Apple Galette, Cottage Cheese Mousse, or Mixed Berry Galette.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy To Make: I love this recipe because it requires minimal prep time and there is no water bath needed!
- Simple Real Food Ingredients: This recipe includes only a handful of wholesome ingredients and is also refined sugar-free!
- Customizable: You can get creative with your toppings, like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a chocolate ganache!
- Make Ahead Friendly: These mini cheesecakes are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or dinner parties. Keep things stress-free by making these the day before.
Ingredients
- Graham Crackers: I prefer to avoid traditional graham crackers as most are made with refined sugar and lower-quality ingredients. Instead of traditional graham crackers, I use Simple Mills Sweet Thins and mash them up myself. They are made with real food ingredients and are refined sugar-free, and gluten-free. I usually buy a big bag at Costco!
- Unsalted Butter: Try to use a good quality, grass-fed unsalted butter like Kerrygold.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show! The cream cheese gives the cheesecake its rich, smooth, and creamy texture. I recommend using an organic full fat cream cheese which will allow for a better consistency. Take it out of the fridge a few hours before you want to start the recipe as letting it come to room temperature makes mixing easier, and helps prevent a lumpy batter.
- Coconut Sugar: If you've browsed the site you'll notice I don't use plain white sugar and opt for coconut sugar instead. It's unrefined and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: You can use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Either way, the vanilla is used to help add a subtle sweetness and cut through the tartness.
- Sour Cream: This is what makes New York-style cheesecake New York-style! Sour cream adds a slight tang and softens the richness of the cream cheese, making the texture ultra-smooth and giving the cheesecake that signature flavor. Make sure you use a high-quality organic brand like Good Culture.
- Lemon Juice: Please, listen to me on this. Do not use the stuff from the bottle. It really isn't the same. Squeeze a little bit of fresh lemon juice - it makes all the difference. We are only using a small amount to help cut through the richness, and not enough to make the cheesecake taste lemony.
- Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. The eggs will bring the batter together, and help the cheesecake hold it's shape. Again, high-quality organic pasture-raised eggs should be your go-to.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions And Variations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free as I use Simple Mills Sweet Thins for the graham crackers. To keep your version gluten-free, be sure to read the labels and purchase gluten-free graham crackers.
- Dairy-Free: While I have not tried making this dairy-free myself, you can substitute the butter, cream cheese, and sour cream for your favorite plant-based version.
- Fruit Version: Add a swirl of raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry puree before baking. You can also add a little lemon zest to the batter.
- Chocolate Crust: Swap out the honey simple mills sweet thins and use the chocolate version for a fun twist.
How To Make Mini New York Cheesecakes
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f. Line your muffin pan with parchment paper muffin liners. Add your graham crackers to the base of your food processor and pulse until you are left with fine crumbs.
Step 2. In a small bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and toss to combine until the mixture resembles coarse wet sand.
Step 3. Next place 1-2 tablespoons of crumbs in each muffin cup. Use the back of your spoon to press the crumbs down firmly into each muffin tin. Bake the crust for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 4. Add the cream cheese and coconut sugar to the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment of your electric mixer and combine until smooth.
Step 5. Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice and mix again at medium speed to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula then add the eggs in and mix one more time at low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to help ensure a smooth filling.
Step 6. Use an ice cream scoop to transfer the cheesecake batter into each muffin cup, dividing equally. You will want to fill the cups about ¾ of the way full. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the outside of the cheesecake is set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, before placing them in the fridge for 4 hours to chill.
Expert Tips And Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all of your ingredients come to room temperature before you begin. This will help create a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs, be sure not to overmix the batter. When you pump in too much air it can create cracks or air bubbles in your cheesecake.
- Use a Muffin Tin And Liners: I love using tulip-style parchment muffin liners. They make for easy clean-up and look elegant too!
- Chill for Best Texture: Allow the mini cheesecakes to chill for at least 4 hours.
Save This Recipe! 📧
Serving Suggestions For New York Mini Cheesecakes
- Toppings: Add a drizzle of salted caramel or chocolate ganache for a rich, decadent touch. I also enjoy adding plain whipped cream and topping with fresh blueberries or fresh strawberries.
- Additional Desserts: Serve with sourdough discard brownies, apple pear galette, easy gluten-free pumpkin pie or quick and simple apple cobbler for the ultimate dessert spread.
- Beverages: Pair with an iced maple latte, pumpkin spice latte, espresso martini, a classic Americano, or your favorite tea.
Storage And Reheating
- Storage: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze individual cheesecakes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat them.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! I almost always make these a day in advance as they taste even better the next day. You can cover the tops of each one with plastic wrap to help prevent a film from forming on top.
Absolutely! Just pour the cheesecake filling directly into the muffin liners for a crust-free version.
Let them cool completely, then gently lift them out using the paper liners.
Other Related Dessert Recipes
If you tried this recipe please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. You can also stay in touch through social media by following along on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. Thanks for visiting today!
Mini New York Cheesecakes Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Stand Mixer
- 1 Muffin Tin
- 12 Muffin Liners
Ingredients
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs simple mills
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted
- 16 oz Cream Cheese full-fat softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup Coconut Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Sour Cream full-fat and room temperature
- ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice fresh
- 2 large eggs room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f. Line your muffin pan with parchment paper muffin liners. Add your graham crackers to the base of your food processor and pulse until you are left with fine crumbs.1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- In a small bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and toss to combine until the mixture resembles coarse wet sand.4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- Next place 1-2 tablespoons of crumbs in each muffin cup. Use the back of your spoon to press the crumbs down firmly into each muffin tin. Bake the crust for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Add the cream cheese and coconut sugar to the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment of your electric mixer and combine until smooth.16 oz Cream Cheese, ⅓ cup Coconut Sugar
- Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice and mix again at medium speed to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula then add the eggs in and mix one more time at low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to help ensure a smooth filling.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, ½ cup Sour Cream, ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice, 2 large eggs
- Use an ice cream scoop to transfer the cheesecake batter into each muffin cup, dividing equally. You will want to fill the cups about ¾ of the way full. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the outside of the cheesecake is set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, before placing them in the fridge for 4 hours to chill.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all of your ingredients come to room temperature before you begin. This will help create a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs, be sure not to overmix the batter. When you pump in too much air it can create cracks or air bubbles in your cheesecake.
- Use a Muffin Tin And Liners: I love using tulip-style parchment muffin liners. They make for easy clean-up and look elegant too!
- Chill for Best Texture: Allow the mini cheesecakes to chill for at least 4 hours.
Leave a Reply