Super Bowl Desserts Mini Cheesecake Cups

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Mini Cheesecake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 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 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; Fresh berries; Chocolate chips; Whipped cream

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making these Super Bowl Desserts Mini Cheesecake Cups for game day! They are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust, all served in cute little portions. I love how easy they are to whip up, allowing me to focus on enjoying the game with friends. Each mini cheesecake is a delightful bite, and they can be customized with your favorite toppings. Trust me, these will be a hit at your Super Bowl party!

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:01:20.778Z

I remember the first time I made these mini cheesecake cups for a Super Bowl party. Everyone loved how cute and portable they were, plus the flavors were a big hit. The best part is that you can prepare them in advance, so the day of the game is stress-free! Using a muffin tin makes it easy to create perfectly portioned desserts.

One tip I learned while making these is to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. It really helps to achieve that smooth, creamy texture we all love in cheesecakes. You can also experiment with different toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate ganache to make them even more special!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Cheesecake Cups
        Irresistibly creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Customizable toppings for everyone's preferences
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for game day

      

Perfecting Your Cheesecake Texture

Achieving the perfect creamy texture in your mini cheesecakes is all about proper mixing. When combining the cream cheese, it should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth blend. Mix until the mixture is completely glossy and free of lumps, about 2–3 minutes on medium speed. Overmixing, especially after adding the eggs, can introduce air, leading to cracks during baking.

Another key step is controlling the baking temperature. Bake your mini cheesecakes at 350°F (175°C) for just the right amount of time—about 15 minutes. Keeping the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes after turning off the oven helps them set without cooling too quickly, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth surface.

Customizing Flavors and Toppings

One of the joys of these mini cheesecake cups is how easily you can customize them. Feel free to switch up the flavor of the cream cheese by using flavored varieties, such as strawberry or chocolate. You can also add a bit of lemon zest or cocoa powder to the filling for an extra flavor kick. Mixing in some melted chocolate or peanut butter before adding your eggs is another delicious way to create variations.

For toppings, arrange a selection of fresh berries, chocolate chips, or whipped cream on a snack table for guests to personalize their cheesecake cups. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top right before serving for a more decadent treat. If you’re looking for a bit of crunch, crushed nuts can also add an exciting texture contrast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These mini cheesecakes can be made in advance, making them a stress-free option for game day. Prepare them up to a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep them covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors. They will stay fresh and maintain their creamy texture so long as they are properly stored.

If you want to prepare even further in advance, consider freezing the cheesecakes. After they've cooled to room temperature, wrap them individually with plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, then add your toppings for that fresh taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream

For Topping (optional)

Fresh berries
Chocolate chips
Whipped cream

Feel free to mix and match your toppings to make these mini cheesecakes truly yours!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare your mini cheesecakes quickly and effortlessly!

Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fill the Cups

Evenly pour the cheesecake filling into each crust. Tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the cheesecakes sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes.

Cool and Serve

Remove the mini cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with your favorite toppings just before serving!

Enjoy these delicious bites while cheering on your favorite team!

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding different flavored extracts or fruit purees to the cheesecake filling. You can also use chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cheesecakes are cracking on top, it could be due to overmixing the batter or baking temperatures being too high. Monitor the mixing speed and bake your mini cheesecakes just until they’re set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center. This helps ensure they don’t overbake.

For a smoother final product, be sure to use high-quality cream cheese that’s been softened at room temperature. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese can lead to a grainy texture. Aim for full-fat cream cheese for that rich and creamy mouthfeel.

Scaling the Recipe

This mini cheesecake recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. To scale up, you can double or even triple the ingredient quantities. Just be sure to mix in larger batches to maintain texture, and use a larger muffin tin or multiple trays if needed. Just keep an eye on baking time, as larger quantities might require slightly longer in the oven.

If you're looking to create a mini cheesecake bar with various flavors, you can batch the crust and filling separately, dividing the filling into bowls and stirring in different flavors as desired. This way, you can cater to different tastes and have several delightful options for your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze the mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and thaw them in the fridge before serving.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different flavor and texture, but the taste will vary.

→ How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecakes?

Make sure to not overbeat the eggs and bake the cheesecakes at a lower temperature to help prevent cracks.