Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe

The Cutest Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe for Fall Dessert Magic

Mini pumpkin cheesecakes offer a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions, bringing warmth and sweetness to any gathering.

These petite treats combine the rich, creamy texture of traditional cheesecake with the comforting autumn flavors of pumpkin spice.

Smaller portions mean you can enjoy decadence without overwhelming your palate or feeling too indulgent.

Their compact size makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, or intimate family dinners where individual servings create a sense of personalized delight.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with velvety pumpkin puree, creating a harmonious balance of tangy and sweet notes.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that captures the essence of seasonal baking magic.

The individual serving style ensures everyone gets a perfectly portioned dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Why Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Are Perfect for Fall

  • Craft Bite-Sized Delights: These mini pumpkin cheesecakes offer perfect portion control, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or personal treats without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Layer Up Flavor Magic: The carefully constructed layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and spiced pumpkin create a harmonious blend of textures and autumn-inspired flavors that dance on your taste buds.
  • Stress-Free Baking Experience: With straightforward steps and minimal complex techniques, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, allowing even novice dessert makers to produce impressive, professional-looking mini cheesecakes that wow guests.
  • Seasonal Comfort in Every Bite: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg combined with rich pumpkin puree deliver a quintessential fall dessert that captures the cozy essence of the season in a cute, individual-sized format.

Everything You Need to Make Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic base with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps compress the crust and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
  • Egg: Helps bind and set the cheesecake layer.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake flavor.
Pumpkin Layer Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind and structure the pumpkin layer.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides authentic pumpkin flavor and smooth texture.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a silky pumpkin mixture.
  • Brown Sugar, Sugar: Provide layers of sweetness with caramel-like undertones.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

How to Bake These Sweet and Spiced Cheesecakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a muffin tin and dress it up with cute paper liners. Give those liners a quick spray of nonstick magic to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into each muffin liner like you’re building a tasty foundation. Pop the tin in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In another bowl, get your cream cheese super smooth. Blend in:
  • Egg
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Chill this mixture in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, spoon the dreamy mixture evenly over your graham cracker bases.

Step 4: Craft the Pumpkin Spice Magic

Grab a fresh bowl and whisk an egg until it looks light and fluffy. Stir in these autumn-inspired ingredients:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Evaporated milk
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Mix until everything plays nicely together.

Step 5: Layer the Pumpkin Goodness

Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake layer. Pro tip: Use the back of a spoon to help create a smooth, even layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the center has a cute little jiggle.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Pull those beauties out of the oven and let them cool. For extra deliciousness, chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips for a Smooth Pumpkin Filling and Neat Crust

  • Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbaking by removing cheesecakes when centers are slightly jiggly, ensuring a smooth, crack-free surface.
  • Precise Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into liners, creating a compact base that holds together perfectly.
  • Smooth Cheesecake Mixing: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky, consistent texture.
  • Layer Pouring Trick: Use the back of a spoon when adding pumpkin layer to distribute mixture gently and maintain clean, distinct layers.
  • Cooling Strategy: Allow cheesecakes to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.

Best Storage and Reheating Advice

  • Refrigerate: Place mini cheesecakes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Reheat: Thaw frozen cheesecakes overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to preserve texture and flavor.

Drinks and Sweets to Pair with Pumpkin Cheesecakes

  • Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in a chai latte complement the pumpkin and cinnamon notes in the mini cheesecakes, creating a cozy autumn flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
  • Match with Caramel Pecan Topping: Drizzle rich caramel sauce and sprinkle toasted pecans over the mini cheesecakes to enhance the dessert's creamy texture and add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire experience.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Dollop freshly whipped cream infused with real vanilla bean on top of these mini treats to balance the spiced pumpkin flavor and provide a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake base.
  • Complement with Dessert Wine: A glass of late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato pairs beautifully with these mini cheesecakes, cutting through the richness and bringing out the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin and graham cracker crust.

Fun Ideas to Customize the Flavor

  • Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes: Add melted dark chocolate to half the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect before pouring into graham cracker crusts.
  • Pecan Praline Topping Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cooled mini cheesecakes for extra crunch and sweetness.
  • Maple Spice Infusion: Replace some white sugar with maple syrup and increase the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a deeper autumnal flavor profile.
  • No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups: Skip the baking process by using gelatin to set the cheesecake mixture, creating a lighter, mousse-like texture in the mini desserts.
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Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful mini pumpkin cheesecakes bring autumn’s warmth to dessert tables with creamy spiced perfection. Compact individual portions invite pure seasonal indulgence, promising rich flavor in each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 7.5 ounces (213 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1½ cups graham crackers, crushed
  • 1 egg

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • 2½ tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ⅛ cup brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arranging paper liners in a muffin pan with a light nonstick spray coating.
  2. Craft the graham cracker foundation by blending crushed crackers with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly integrated, then firmly compact the mixture into each liner’s base.
  3. Toast the crust for 10-12 minutes until golden, then allow complete cooling to establish a sturdy foundation for the subsequent layers.
  4. Create the cream cheese mixture by whipping the cheese until silky smooth, incorporating egg, sugar, and vanilla until perfectly harmonized.
  5. Refrigerate the cream cheese blend for 30-40 minutes to achieve optimal consistency, then delicately distribute across the cooled graham cracker bases.
  6. Develop the pumpkin layer by whisking egg until light and aerated, then introducing pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a harmonious blend.
  7. Carefully cascade the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake layer, utilizing the back of a spoon to ensure elegant, even distribution.
  8. Bake the assembled mini cheesecakes for 45-55 minutes, monitoring until edges stabilize and center maintains a subtle wobble.
  9. Extract from the oven and permit natural cooling, optionally chilling in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

  • Perfectly portioned dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin pie.
  • Chilling the cheesecake mixture helps create a smoother, more stable filling that sets beautifully in each mini cake.
  • Gently pouring the pumpkin layer over a spoon prevents breaking the delicate cheesecake base and ensures a clean, layered look.
  • Slightly jiggly center is key to avoiding overcooked, dry mini cheesecakes – remove from oven when edges are set but middle has a gentle wobble.
  • Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, perfect for preparing in advance of holiday gatherings or special occasions.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so let cream cheese and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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