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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Cassandra
    July 21, 2019

    Made these for my book club. They were aaaaamazing, beautiful, delicious and easy to make. Everyone loved them. Caramel sauce was easy and delicious as well. Will make again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 21, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Cassandra!

      Reply

      • Elizabeth
        July 28, 2019

        It says mini, but are you using regular cupcake size? Sorry for a silly question!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 29, 2019

          Hi Elizabeth, These are cupcake ti sized but “mini” in reference to mini cheesecakes.

          Reply

  • Jackie
    June 13, 2019

    Hi
    Can I add a flavor to the creamcheese mixture, such as vanilla.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2019

      Hi Jackie, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

      • Yuki
        September 2, 2019

        Hi, Natasha.

        I made these and it was awesome! Thank you for sharing. Is there any way to make half batches? Let me know please.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 2, 2019

          Hi Yuki, I haven’t tested it as a half batch but I would probably do 1 extra-large egg or 2 small eggs, or just divide the egg and do 1 1/2 eggs to be safe

          Reply

  • Victoria
    May 6, 2019

    This recipe is absolutely delicious!! I dont like cheesecake at all and this one….well I love this cheese cake. The caramel sauce is really good too. A amazing desert. Thank you Natasha!!❤❤

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 6, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review Victoria!

      Reply

  • Angelina
    April 28, 2019

    These were Amazing and so simple! I added a little lemon zest and extract to the batter and a little lemon extract to the whipped cream. I skipped the caramel sauce but cant wait to try it next time! Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 29, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Katherine
    April 20, 2019

    I’ve made these they were definitely a hit. Question however for you regarding another recipe it’s your sweet potato with bacon and syrup. Can you make this ahead of time like today and take and reheat on Easter Sunday

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 20, 2019

      Hi Katherine! I haven’t tested that a day ahead (I wouldn’t have enough self-control to make them the day before. lol.) However, one of our readers wrote: “just made them tonight for Thanksgiving tomorrow and CANNOT stop eating them.” I hope that helps

      Reply

  • Yana Yak
    April 13, 2019

    This recipe is PHENOMENAL! I absolutely loved the addition of the sweetened condensed milk! I read over the comments & wanted to make a large cheesecake & saw your recommendation for the one you have on your blog. However, I feel the sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient that elevates the recipe. Do you think if I used 2 cans of it to replace the sugar, it’ll turn out? I will give the idea a try & hope it turns out.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 13, 2019

      Hi Yana, one of my friends told me recently that she made this cheesecake as a full cheesecake with good results so it does work. I’m just not sure about specific baking instructions.

      Reply

      • Yana Yak
        April 15, 2019

        It worked! I used 5 packs of cream cheese, 6 eggs, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 2 cans of condensed milk. Baked for an hour at 325 until just barely turning golden on top. Next time I would do 1.5 cans of the sweetened condensed milk for less sweetness. Thanks for the inspiration! This is my new favorite cheesecake now!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 15, 2019

          That’s so great Yana! Thank you for sharing your feedback with me!

          Reply

          • Missy
            June 6, 2019

            Love your recipes and love your videos. Question about mini cheesecake. I would like to make 6 rather than 24. Can I freeze the leftover batter for another night?

          • Natashas Kitchen
            June 6, 2019

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

  • Teresa
    April 5, 2019

    Made a double batch for a family gathering. They were a hit! The caramel sauce I’m going to cook slightly longer next time, it was thick, but still a little messy. I’m glad I left in the cups to serve. But still delicious and present well. Am making again this weekend for my neice’s bridal shower. This time going to try a butterscotch caramel. Very simple and easy!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 5, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

    • Eileen
      December 7, 2019

      Hi Natasha
      Love your recipes and the simplicity!!! These were
      UH-mazzzing. Made them twice.
      I’m not a fan of graham crackers So I substituted Oreos and melted butter In the food processor for my crust. They turned out great!! Thank you

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        December 7, 2019

        I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

        Reply

      • TAN
        February 8, 2020

        I’m not a fan of graham crackers either and would love to use Oreos instead. Can you please let me know the proportions you used. (I heard Oreos does not need as much butter added to it).
        Thank you so much

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          February 8, 2020

          Hi Tan, you would need to use the same amount as the graham crackers.

          Reply

  • Blair
    April 3, 2019

    Hi Natasha!

    I have a mini cheesecake pan (12 cavity with removable bottoms) , do you think this recipe would work in that pan ? Thank you ~

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2019

      Hi Blair, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

  • mary abernethy
    April 1, 2019

    Absolutely delicious. Made it for a dinner party, it was a hit. Thanks for a wonderful recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 1, 2019

      Hi Mary! I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Connie
    March 31, 2019

    There are so many pipping tips on Amazon. Do you have a set (brand) that you recommend? Thx so much for sharing your recipes!

    Reply

  • Sharon Byers
    March 21, 2019

    Made these mini cheesecakes with the homemade caramel sauce and topped with the whipped topping for Sunday Family Dinner and of course they was Amazing 😋 Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I doubled the recipe for the whipped topping. Didn’t think I would like the caramel sauce but it was yummy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 21, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Sharon!

      Reply

  • Jeanne Horn
    March 16, 2019

    These are wonderful! I halved the recipe and made a dozen of them, which is still way more than we need for four people tomorrow, so I taste-tested one tonight. Delicious! I gave it a squirt of Redi Whip, and it was fantastic. Gives me all sorts of ideas for what to bring in next time my office has a potluck.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 16, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Else
    February 25, 2019

    Thank you for sharing the recipe with us

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 25, 2019

      You’re so welcome! I’m happy you are enjoying that!

      Reply

  • Sondra
    February 21, 2019

    What is the wand used to sprinklle

    Reply

  • Eloisa C Oropeza
    February 20, 2019

    Could you add lemon to this recipe?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 20, 2019

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

      Reply

  • jenna
    February 16, 2019

    Hi Natasha, these look incredible. I have one muffin tin for 12, as 24 would be too much for two of us. I would just cut the ingrediants in half correct? Will it come out ok?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 16, 2019

      Hi Jenna, I haven’t tested it as a half batch but I would probably do 1 extra large egg or 2 small eggs, or just divide the egg and do 1 1/2 eggs to be safe 🙂

      Reply

    • Melissa
      April 1, 2019

      Hi! I’m from Mexico and love your recipes, so my English isn’t very good, sorry. I have a question, how many days can they last in the refrigerator before they are no longer able to eat?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        April 1, 2019

        Hi Melissa, you can completely assemble, decorate, cover and refrigerate overnight. Ours tasted and looked perfect the next day. We just love make-ahead desserts!

        Reply

  • Aggie
    February 8, 2019

    These were amazing! So easy and so so good! Had to stop myself from eating more… perfect dessert for guests… thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 8, 2019

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Aggie!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Sheree
    February 1, 2019

    Hi Natasha
    I’m in Australia and love your recipes
    What crackers do you use for the base? Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 1, 2019

      Hi Sheree, we used graham crackers for this base. I haven’t tried any other bases but I think other options may work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

    • Emily
      August 1, 2019

      Where’s the salted caramel recipe I can’t find it thanks

      Reply

  • Raiza
    January 26, 2019

    Hi Natasha, I’m from Cuba but I live in Canada and I love your videos… I have made some recipe yours as salmon, chicken…but… now, I will make this minicheescake…look yummy!!!!… Congratulations!! I follow you all time…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 26, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying my blog! Thank you for sharing that with us 🙂

      Reply

  • Laura
    January 26, 2019

    Hi Natasha, thank you for your recipe ~ it looks so decadent! I was looking for a recipe that would up my mini cheesecake game and I have found it! Just one quick question, will the whipped cream hold up in the fridge? Thanks again!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 26, 2019

      Hi Laura, if you whip the heavy whipping cream (and be sure you are using heavy cream), until it is fluffy, stiff and spreadable, it will keep refrigerated overnight. I did this with my last batch and it worked fine 🙂If you are planning on storing it more than a few hours I would recommend pipping it the day of.

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.