If you love the rich, creamy indulgence of classic New York cheesecake but wish it came in a more portable, individual size say hello to your new dessert obsession. These Cheesecake Cupcakes are smooth, luscious, and baked to perfection in cute little cupcake wrappers. With that buttery graham cracker crust and velvety filling, each bite delivers all the dreamy decadence of a slice of cheesecake… but in a fun, handheld form. Trust me, these are dangerously good and ideal for parties, holidays, or just a personal treat-yourself moment.

Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Cupcakes

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, potlucks, or late-night cravings these cupcakes suit every mood.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand or can grab at any grocery store.
Quick and Easy: No springform pans or water baths just mix, bake, chill, and enjoy.
Customizable: Top with fruit, chocolate, caramel, or keep it plain and classic.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cheesecake Cupcakes

Each cupcake delivers creamy bliss with a buttery base and ultra-smooth filling here’s how the magic happens.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic cheesecake crust material buttery, sweet, and slightly crunchy.
Butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs to create the perfect crust foundation.
Cream Cheese: The superstar. Full-fat cream cheese gives these cupcakes their signature creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the filling and bring out that cheesecake richness.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and create a smooth, custard-like finish.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor don’t skip it!
Sour Cream: A secret weapon for creaminess and that slight tang that balances the sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Combine Ingredients: Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then blend in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until silky.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Scoop the graham cracker mixture into each cupcake liner and press down to form a crust.

Assemble the Dish: Pour the cheesecake filling over each crust, filling the liners nearly to the top. Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for about 18–20 minutes or until centers are just set. They should jiggle slightly when nudged.

Finishing Touches: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours overnight is even better.

Serve and Enjoy: Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce and serve chilled. They’re little bites of heaven!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)

How to Serve Cheesecake Cupcakes

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
• Drizzle with chocolate ganache or salted caramel sauce
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence
• Pair with espresso or a glass of dessert wine for a fancy twist
• Serve plain and chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps
• Don’t overmix the batter it can cause cracks
• Let cupcakes cool completely before chilling to prevent condensation
• Chill overnight for best flavor and texture
• Use a muffin scoop to get even filling portions
• Add lemon zest for a bright citrus note
• Swap graham crackers for Oreos or ginger snaps for a fun twist
• Don’t skip the liners they make serving so much easier
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freeze individually and thaw as needed for instant dessert!

FAQs

1 Can I make these ahead of time
Absolutely! These are perfect for making a day or two in advance just keep them chilled until ready to serve.

2 What’s the best way to prevent cracking
Avoid overmixing, don’t overbake, and let them cool gradually before chilling.

3 Can I use low-fat cream cheese
You can, but the texture and flavor will be less rich and creamy than full-fat.

4 How do I know when they’re done baking
The edges should be set, and the centers should jiggle slightly when gently shaken.

5 Can I use different crusts
Yes! Try crushed Oreos, shortbread, or gingersnaps for variety.

6 Can I freeze cheesecake cupcakes
Yes — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

7 Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle
This usually happens from overmixing or sudden temperature changes don’t worry, toppings can hide it.

8 How long should I chill them before serving
At least 2 hours, but overnight yields the best results.

9 Can I make these without cupcake liners
Technically yes, but liners make it easier to serve and clean up.

10 What toppings go best with these
Berries, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, lemon curd, or even crushed candy bars!

Conclusion

Cheesecake Cupcakes are the ultimate sweet treat all the rich, creamy charm of a New York-style cheesecake packed into a perfectly portioned cupcake. Whether you top them with fruit, drizzle them with chocolate, or enjoy them plain and simple, they’re bound to steal the spotlight at any gathering. So go ahead whip up a batch and treat yourself to the kind of dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.

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