Mini Cheesecakes with caramel sauce are completely delicious and easy to make since the cheesecake base is just 3 ingredients! If you love the classic taste and texture of a classic Cheesecake but want the simplicity of a No-Bake Cheesecake you will love this recipe!

a mini cheesecake with a bite in a hand

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Best Mini Cheesecake Recipe

We have tested scores of mini cheesecake recipes and it’s easy to say, this is THE ONE! One of my readers, Marta, shared her 3-ingredient mini cheesecake recipe with me, and I instantly fell in love with the flavor, texture, and how completely easy they were. This recipe makes 24 cupcake-sized cheesecakes.

Here, we used Marta’s cheesecake recipe, added a super-simple graham cracker crust, and drizzled sweet caramel and whipped cream over each one.

We just love mini, individual-sized desserts like Creme Brulee or Chocolate Souffle, and these mini cheesecakes are so easy and delicious that they will become one of your go-to desserts.

Mini Cheesecakes Video

Watch Natasha whip up these simple mini cheesecakes while giving you her tips on how to make them easy to make and look great for a party. Make these baby cheesecakes once and you’ll make them over and over!

Ingredients for Mini Cheesecakes:

These mini cheesecakes come together quickly and can be easily doubled to treat a whole crowd.

  • Cream Cheese – room temperature so it mixes evenly. We use regular cream cheese bricks for the best texture and taste. Light or whipped won’t create the same flavor.
  • Eggs – room-temperature eggs are the secret to making the batter
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – the secret ingredient, making the cheesecake perfectly sweetened and creamy smooth
  • Crust – graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and cinnamon combine to make the perfect cheesecake crust. For gluten-free mini cheesecakes, substitute GF graham crackers or omit the crust.
  • Topping – we used our easy Caramel Sauce (you won’t want store-bought after trying it!), using just 4 ingredients. If you want some variety, you can also try the strawberry topping in our Mini Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
ingredients for our mini cheesecake recipe including butter, sweetend condensed milk, cream cheese, eggs, graham crackers and cinnamon

How to Make Mini Crusts

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 24-count standard-sized muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl until evenly moistened.
  • Spoon the mixture evenly into the lined muffin tins, and press the crumbs into the base and slightly up the sides.

How to Make Mini Cheesecakes

  • Whisk the cream cheese and eggs (by hand or with a hand mixer) on high speed for 5 minutes, or until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add condensed milk and mix on LOW speed for 2 minutes to avoid adding air bubbles that can cause the cheesecakes to crack when baking.
  • Divide the batter evenly over the 24 crusts, filling each one about 3/4 full (or with a level ice cream scoop), and bake at 350˚F for 15 minutes. The cheesecakes should be set but still have a very slight jiggle in the center. Do not overbake.
  • Cool the cupcakes in the muffin tin to room temperature before spooning Caramel Sauce over each one. Refrigerate the cooled and topped cheesecakes for 2 hours. Then, dollop homemade whipped cream (see directions below) and dust with cinnamon, if desired.

Pro Tip

Avoid overbaking. Due to their small size, mini cheesecakes cook much faster than traditional Cheesecakes, so it’s easy to overbake. Take them out of the oven when the edges are set and the center may have a very slight wobble. Also, cracking is a sign of overbaking.

How to Make Whipped Cream Topping

  • Combine 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla in a large mixing bowl (preferably a chilled bowl). Beat the ingredients together with an electric mixture or hand mixer on high speed for 2 minutes or until fluffy. Using a piping bag with a star tip, pipe the whipped cream over each cupcake.
mini cheesecake cupcake with caramel sauce and whipped cream

Make-Ahead

You can completely assemble, decorate, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In fact, ours tasted and looked perfect the next day. We just love make-ahead desserts!

  • To Refrigerate: Cover in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days
  • Freezing: Before topping with sauce or whipped cream, flash-freeze cheesecakes by placing them on a sheet pan in the freezer. When frozen, store it in a covered container or ziptop bag in a single layer, being sure to get the air out of the container.
  • To Serve: Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Mini cheesecake recipe with caramel sauce and whipped cream

These mini cheesecakes are so easy to make and so incredibly creamy and delicious! Make them a day ahead to take one “to-do” off your list before hosting friends and family, because these cheesecake cupcakes are truly the perfect party dessert!

More Mini Dessert Recipes

Once you try this mini cheesecake recipe, we bet you’ll fall in love with bite-sized desserts, especially when hosting! Here are a few of our favorite mini desserts to serve at your next party.

Mini Cheesecakes with Caramel Sauce

4.97 from 247 votes
A bite taken out of a mini cheesecake cupcake with caramel sauce
These mini cheesecakes with caramel sauce are delicious! The base is just 3 ingredients. We love the flavor, texture and how completely EASY they were!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate: 2 hours

Ingredients 

Servings: 24 mini cheesecakes

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, from 12 whole crackers*
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Mini Cheesecakes:

Topping Ingredients:

Instructions

How to Make the Crust:

  • Prep: Preheat Oven to 350˚F. Line a 24-count muffin tin with standard cupcake liners.
  • In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 Tbsp melted butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Stir to evenly moisten crumbs.
  • Divide crumbs between 24 cupcake liners (about 1 Tbsp in each). Push crumbs into the base and slightly up the sides using a small spoon or your fingers.

How to Make Mini Cheesecakes:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together 16 oz cream cheese and 3 eggs with on high speed 5 minutes, until blended and smooth, scraping down bowl as needed. Add condensed milk and mix on low speed** until blended (2 min).
  • Divide cheesecake mix evenly between cupcake liners – about 3/4 full (or a level ice cream scoop in each one) and bake at 350˚F for 15 min. They should be set with a very slight jiggle in the center. Don't over-bake. If you notice them starting to crack in the oven, they are over-baking.
  • Cool to room temp in baking dish then spoon 1/2 to 1 Tbsp caramel sauce over each one. Refrigerate 2 hrs or until fully chilled then top with whipped cream using a piping bag with large star tip. Lightly dust with cinnamon if desired. Serve with or without liners.

How to Make Whipped Cream:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla and beat together with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes or until whipped and fluffy.

Notes

*For gluten free, use GF crackers/cookies or omit the crust and proceed with recipe as directed. The crust helps them rise more evenly but they still taste great without it.
**Cooks Tip: Mixing the condensed milk on LOW speed helps knock out excess air bubbles which can cause the cheesecakes to crack.

Nutrition Per Serving

233kcal Calories20g Carbs3g Protein15g Fat8g Saturated Fat68mg Cholesterol161mg Sodium119mg Potassium11g Sugar570IU Vitamin A0.5mg Vitamin C86mg Calcium0.4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Mini Cheesecakes with Caramel Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
233
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Cholesterol
 
68
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
161
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
119
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
570
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
 
0.5
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
86
mg
9
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mini cheesecakes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 233
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.97 from 247 votes (114 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • ML Saltzman
    January 10, 2019

    I was skeptical about using only 3 ingredients to make cheesecake, but WOW I’m a believer, they’re creamy and light and oh so delicious. I’m never going back, this is now the go to for this household. Kudos!, and Thank You!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 10, 2019

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Denuse
    January 3, 2019

    Made these for Christmas and everyone loved them. This is the easiest cheesecake recipe I’ve ever made. Will keep making them!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 3, 2019

      Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me 🙂

      Reply

  • Fadoua
    December 29, 2018

    Natacha j’ai visionnée la vidéo des mini cheese cake et tu es tout simplement magnifique! .
    Je donnerai mon avis quand j’aurai essayé la recette.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 29, 2018

      I’m so happy to hear that! I look forward to your review!

      Reply

  • Mary
    December 27, 2018

    What if I wanted to do this as a whole came, not cupcakes? What size pan would be best? Cook time?

    Reply

  • Anastasija
    December 22, 2018

    Hi Natasha
    planing to do mini cheesecakes and i got a question. is must be graham crakers/cookes or can I use any? thank you x

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 22, 2018

      I haven’t tried any other base but I think other options may work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

      • Anastasija
        December 27, 2018

        Have tried other base and it did work well. Love it. Definitely will do again. And will tried to do like an original one x thank you for your recipes. They are the best 👍

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 27, 2018

          That’s so great!

          Reply

  • Lesya
    December 19, 2018

    Do you think I could freeze these? I would add a topping once thawed. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 19, 2018

      Hi Lesya, I haven’t tried freezing mini cheesecakes, but I imagine these would freeze and thaw fine. I suggest thawing in the fridge.

      Reply

  • Tina Rossi
    December 13, 2018

    Love these mini cheesecake. Would love to turn them into lemon cheesecake any advice x

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 14, 2018

      Hi Tina! I don’t see why not! You can use a lemon topping with that instead of caramel 🙂

      Reply

  • Annette
    December 13, 2018

    Hello , I’m planning to make these on Saturday and want to use my mini cheesecake trays they’re smaller than a regular size muffin tray. That should be ok right ? I’m going to freeze them and take them out Xmas eve when I’ll add the caramel and whipped cream. I’m serving Xmas day. Should be ok right ? I’ve frozen slices of cheesecake before and I can’t tell the difference.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 13, 2018

      I think that should work as minis! We used regular cupcake tins for this recipe and I haven’t tried anything smaller than that. I look forward to hearing how you like it!

      Reply

      • Annette
        December 16, 2018

        I made these and they are delicious. I made them for a cookie swap and someone asked for the recipe. I am making more for Christmas Day

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 16, 2018

          That’s so great! I’m so happy you enjoyed that

          Reply

        • Fiza
          August 14, 2019

          Hi Annette, did u still bake the mini cakes at 15 mins or do u half the baking time since the pan is smaller than the regular sized one?

          Reply

  • Basia
    December 7, 2018

    Hi, i have done these mini cheesecake already twice, they are really delicious and with my daughters advice we have topped them

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 7, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Basia!!!

      Reply

  • Dina
    December 2, 2018

    Hi Natasha! I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of your recipes, I’ve never been disappointed. I plan on making these today and was wondering if I could use your blueberry sauce that you use in you New York Style Cheesecake instead of the caramel sauce. Thoughts?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 2, 2018

      I don’t see why not. I think any topping would be good on this!

      Reply

  • Muriel Arsenault
    November 27, 2018

    I did not see the recipe for the caramel sauce ? Is there one?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 27, 2018

      Hi Muriel, I have the caramel sauce linked in the ingredients section, but here is a direct link. I hope you love the mini cheesecakes recipe! 🙂

      Reply

  • BethAnn Prickett
    November 25, 2018

    Made these for Thanksgiving and everyone said they were amazing! Loved that every part was made from scratch. Thank you for a new family favorite!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2018

      I love that you found a new family favorite! Thank you for that great review, BethAnn!!

      Reply

  • Julia
    November 23, 2018

    Made these for Thanksgiving. They were a huge hit. I just piped the whipped cream and drizzled the caramel over the top, since i didn’t want it to be too sweet and they were delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2018

      That’s a great idea! Thank you for sharing this with me, Julia!

      Reply

  • Golin
    November 21, 2018

    Thank you very much I liked the condensed milk taste on the mini cheese cake that’s why I asked btw I made the minis and they came out awesome and so delicious also did the Carmel sauce and whip cream everything came out amazing thanks again pls keep
    posting and sharing your I love them all

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 21, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that Golin! Happy Thanksgiving!!

      Reply

  • Golin
    November 21, 2018

    Can i use same ingredients to make a whole cheesecake? Would it work? And if so how long do I bake is for?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 21, 2018

      Hi Golin, I haven’t tested this one as a full cheesecake so I can’t really advise. When making a full-size cheesecake, my go-to recipe is this New York-style Cheesecake, which is also very easy and popular 🙂

      Reply

  • natalie
    November 21, 2018

    Simply Amazing!! SO SO GOOD!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 21, 2018

      Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • natalie
    November 21, 2018

    Simply Amazing! So so good!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 21, 2018

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Violetta
    November 20, 2018

    Totally making them for Thanksgiving..looks so yummy and easy to make. Thanks Natasha!
    Happy Thanksgiving darling❤

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2018

      My pleasure Violetta! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Yelana
    November 20, 2018

    Hi Natasha, I am planning on making these for Thanksgiving. I wanted to see if I can skip a few steps and use store bought whipped cream store bought caramel sauce? Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2018

      I’m sure that will work fine since they are toppings. We prefer the homemade version but that will definitely save time!

      Reply

  • Lucy
    November 19, 2018

    I’ve seen mini cheesecakes with pie filling for a topping. Instead of using caramel sauce on these, can you just use cherry or lemon pie filling for the topping?

    Reply

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