Cheese Cake Cups

These mini cheesecake cups are a dessert lover’s dream it’s silky, tangy cream cheese filling nestled over a soft vanilla wafer crust, all crowned with a dollop of vibrant cherry topping. Each bite is a harmony of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors that melt in your mouth.

Ideal for gatherings, parties, or a personal indulgence, these cheesecakes are incredibly simple to make and require just a few everyday ingredients. The individual portions make serving effortless, and the chill time ensures a refreshingly cool treat. A classic dessert reimagined into a convenient, bite-sized format that delivers on both taste and presentation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 egg

• ⅓ cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 12 vanilla wafers

• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

3. Place one vanilla wafer flat-side down in each muffin cup.

4. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

5. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are set.

7. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

8. Before serving, top each cheesecake cup with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 175 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The Sweet Story Behind Cheesecake Cups

Cheesecake has long been a beloved dessert around the world, known for its creamy, tangy, and rich profile. From ancient Greece to the bustling bakeries of New York City, the evolution of cheesecake is one that spans centuries and continents. But while traditional cheesecake often requires time, patience, and a springform pan, cheesecake cups bring all the deliciousness in a fraction of the effort.

Mini Cheesecake Cups are a modern twist on the classic, offering convenience, portion control, and charm in every bite. Perfect for parties, picnics, potlucks, and holidays, these petite delights are made in muffin tins, use minimal ingredients, and don’t sacrifice any of the rich, velvety texture that cheesecake lovers crave.

Whether you’re new to baking or just want a quick treat with a wow factor, these cheesecake cups deliver all the satisfaction of a traditional cheesecake in a fuss-free, single-serve format.

The Magic of Simple Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, you get a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. Let’s take a deeper look at what each component brings to the table:

• Cream Cheese

This is the star of the show. Softened cream cheese gives the dessert its signature rich and smooth consistency. Be sure to let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing, it ensures a lump-free filling and a more even texture.

• Egg

The egg acts as a binder, giving structure to the filling as it bakes. One egg is all it takes for that perfect, custard-like consistency.

• Sugar

Granulated white sugar sweetens the tangy cream cheese and balances the flavors. It’s simple and classic.

• Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavor by adding a hint of brightness and cutting through the richness of the cream cheese. It’s subtle but essential for a well-rounded taste.

• Vanilla Extract

This gives the filling warmth and aroma, elevating the overall flavor. Always opt for pure vanilla extract if you can—it makes a noticeable difference.

• Vanilla Wafers

Instead of making a graham cracker crust from scratch, each cup uses a single vanilla wafer cookie as the base. It softens slightly during baking and acts as a built-in crust with zero effort.

• Cherry Pie Filling

The crowning glory! A dollop of cherry topping brings sweetness, color, and a tart contrast to the creamy filling. You can switch it up with blueberry, raspberry, or even lemon curd.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

These cheesecake cups are so much more than convenient, they’re versatile, travel well, and taste like they came from a high-end bakery. Here’s why they’re a keeper:

• Quick to Make – The batter comes together in less than 10 minutes.

• No Crust Hassle – A simple vanilla wafer eliminates the need for crust prep.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – These need to chill, so they’re perfect for preparing a day in advance.

• Kid-Approved – The size, look, and flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

• Great for Entertaining – Their neat, compact shape makes them easy to serve and decorate for any occasion.

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Cups

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This can’t be stressed enough. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy batter.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overbeating adds too much air, which can cause the cups to rise and fall dramatically.

• Cool Gradually: Let the cups cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes before transferring them to the fridge. This helps prevent cracks.

• Chill Before Serving: Cheesecake always tastes better once it’s set. Give it at least an hour in the fridge, though overnight is ideal.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ways to adapt it to your taste or the season:

• Fruit Swap: Replace cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, or even fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.

• Chocolate Lovers: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling, or top with mini chocolate chips before baking.

• Cookie Crusts: Instead of vanilla wafers, try using chocolate sandwich cookies, gingersnaps, or shortbread for the base.

• Spiced Cheesecake: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for an autumnal version.

• Lemon or Orange Zest: For a bright, citrusy twist, mix in a teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to the batter.

How to Serve & Store

These cheesecake cups are best served chilled. For a fancier presentation, pipe a small rosette of whipped cream on top of the cherry topping or sprinkle with white chocolate shavings.

To store, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 4–5 days. If you want to make them ahead of time and freeze, skip the fruit topping and wrap each cheesecake individually. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, just thaw in the fridge overnight and top before serving.

When to Make These Cheesecake Cups

The beauty of this dessert is that it suits virtually any occasion:

• Birthday Parties – Bite-size and easy to serve.

• Baby Showers – They look great on a dessert table.

• Holiday Gatherings – A lighter alternative to heavy desserts.

• Potlucks or Picnics – No utensils needed!

• Romantic Dinners – Two perfect little desserts to share.

• Weeknight Cravings – Fast enough to whip up just because.

Conclusion

Mini Vanilla Cheesecake Cups are the ultimate easy dessert. With a velvety smooth filling, a simple vanilla wafer crust, and a glossy cherry topping, they check every box for flavor, ease, and presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Perfect for holidays, parties, or your personal sweet tooth, these cheesecake cups offer the taste of a classic cheesecake in a fraction of the time and effort. Plus, the endless variations mean you’ll never get bored of making, and eating, them.

So grab that muffin tin, some cream cheese, and your favorite fruit topping. These little cheesecakes are ready to become a regular star in your dessert rotation.