These easy mini cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned, with no water bath and just 15 minutes of baking time. A longtime reader favorite with more than 20 million views on YouTube.
10.5oz(300g)full-fat cream cheese room temperature
½cup(100g)granulated sugar
2large eggsroom temperature
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1tablespoonlemon juice
1 ½tablespoon(12g)all-purpose flour
¾cup(185g)full-fat sour creamroom temperature
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 320°F (160°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Crust
Crush the biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with the melted butter until evenly moistened. Divide the mixture among the paper liners and press firmly to form even crusts.
1 ½ cup biscuit crumbs, ¼ cup unsalted butter
Filling
👉 Tip: Use a handheld mixer on low speed throughout the filling process, mixing only until each addition is incorporated. Stop occasionally to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. This keeps excess air out of the batter, helping prevent the cheesecakes from rising too much, cracking, and sinking as they cool.
Beat the cream cheese just until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
10.5 oz full-fat cream cheese , ½ cup granulated sugar
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each one is incorporated.
2 large eggs
Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and flour; mix just until combined.
Add sour cream and mix just until smooth, then divide the batter evenly using an ice cream scoop among the muffin cups.
¾ cup full-fat sour cream
Bake and chill
Bake for 15 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still have a slight wobble when the pan is gently shaken.
Let the cheesecakes cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Serve chilled and add any toppings just before serving.
Notes
1.Use room-temperature cream cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t blend properly and leaves lumps. Take it out of the fridge about 1 hour before starting.
2. Bake at a steady temperature: A low oven (320°F/160°C) gives you a creamy, evenly baked texture. Use a portable oven thermometer to check your oven’s accuracy.
3. Watch for the “just set” stage: Pull them out when edges are set and centers still jiggle slightly. They’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Cool gradually: Let them cool in the pan before chilling. Avoid sudden temperature changes to keep the tops smooth and crack-free.