Super Bowl Dessert Mini Cheesecake Cups

Name: Super Bowl Dessert Mini Cheesecake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 mini cups
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup sour cream; Fresh berries; Chocolate sauce; Caramel drizzle; Whipped cream

Highlighted under: Sweet Inspiration

I absolutely love creating desserts that not only taste incredible but also have a fun and festive flair, perfect for any celebration. These mini cheesecake cups are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, especially during the excitement of the Super Bowl. With a smooth and creamy filling nestled in a crunchy crust, each bite brings happiness and joy to the party. Plus, they’re easily customizable with various toppings, so you can cater to your guests' preferences while ensuring everyone enjoys a delightful treat!

Created by

Isadora Pembroke

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:21:34.975Z

When I first experimented with these mini cheesecake cups, I wanted to create a dessert that's both portable and fun. The layers of creamy cheesecake against a buttery crust provide the perfect contrast, and they are so easy to whip up. I suggest letting them chill for at least an hour before serving to achieve that velvety texture that makes cheesecake so heavenly.

One essential tip I’ve discovered is to bake the crust just long enough to enhance its flavor without overbaking it. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the silky filling beautifully. Trust me, once you serve these at your next gathering, they’ll quickly become a favorite!

Why You Will Love These Mini Cheesecake Cups
Perfectly portioned bites that are easy to grab and enjoy
Creamy cheesecake filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust
Customizable with your favorite toppings for endless variations

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these mini cheesecake cups lies in the ingredients. The cream cheese must be softened to room temperature; this ensures a smooth filling without lumps. If you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting. Using high-quality cream cheese enhances the flavor, while the sour cream adds richness and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.

Graham cracker crumbs are key to the crunchy texture of the crust. Consider using honey graham crackers for added sweetness or even chocolate graham crackers for a twist. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or crushed nuts mixed with a bit of melted butter.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

Baking mini cheesecakes requires careful attention to timing and oven temperature. When you bake the cheesecakes, look for the edges to be set with a slight jiggle in the center; this is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. Overbaking can lead to a dry cheesecake, so removing them as soon as the edges are firm will yield the best results.

One of my favorite tips is to bake these cheesecakes in a water bath. Placing the muffin pan inside a larger pan filled with water creates a humid environment, helping the cheesecakes cook evenly and preventing cracks on the surface. Just be sure to wrap the muffin pan in aluminum foil to keep the water from seeping in.

Creative Topping Ideas

The beauty of these mini cheesecake cups is their versatility in toppings! Fresh berries not only add a pop of color but also a burst of citrusy flavor that complements the creamy filling wonderfully. You can also consider drizzling them with homemade fruit compote for a refreshing twist; simply simmer your berries of choice with a bit of sugar until they soften.

For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate ganache makes for an indulgent topping. Just heat equal parts cream and chocolate until smooth, then let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecakes. The blend of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate creates an irresistible flavor combination that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for the mini cheesecake cups:

For the Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream

For the Toppings (optional)

Fresh berries
Chocolate sauce
Caramel drizzle
Whipped cream

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Here are the steps to create your mini cheesecake cups:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner.

Bake the Crust

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, then mix in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream.

Fill the Cups

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Bake the Cheesecake

Bake the mini cheesecakes for 15-18 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside for 10 minutes.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Top with your choice of toppings just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious mini cheesecakes at your Super Bowl party!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating lemon or lime zest into the cheesecake filling.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These mini cheesecake cups are perfect for make-ahead entertaining! You can prepare the crusts and filling a day in advance. Just bake the crusts, let them cool, and then fill them with the cheesecake mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply add your desired toppings for a fresh taste.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, these mini cheesecakes freeze beautifully. Just ensure they are well-wrapped. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving to regain their creamy texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable if you're hosting a larger gathering. To double it, simply multiply all ingredient amounts by two and use two muffin pans. Keep in mind that the baking time may increase slightly; check for doneness after 18 minutes, then adjust as needed.

If you're looking to make mini versions for a more intimate gathering, you can use a mini muffin pan for bite-sized treats. This will reduce the baking time, so keep an eye on them after about 10-12 minutes to achieve that perfect creamy center.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your cheesecakes are cracking on top, it could be due to rapid temperature changes. Remember to let them cool slowly in the oven after baking. You can also gently run a knife around the edges of each cup to release them from the liners, which prevents cracks from forming as they cool.

Another common issue is sinking in the middle when using too many eggs. Ensure you only add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. This method allows for the right amount of air to be folded into the batter, resulting in a perfectly risen cheesecake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream for similar creaminess.

→ Can I freeze the mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can freeze them without toppings for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What are some topping suggestions?

Fresh fruits, chocolate drizzles, nuts, or whipped cream all make great toppings.