Paula Deen Mini Cheesecake Recipe: Irresistible Tiny Treats!

Paula Deen’s mini cheesecakes burst with creamy decadence in every tiny, tantalizing bite.

These pocket-sized delights transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dessert magic.

Compact and luxurious, each miniature marvel delivers a symphony of rich cream cheese and buttery graham cracker notes.

Silky smooth fillings nestle atop crisp crusts, creating textural perfection that dances across your palate.

Simple enough for novice bakers yet sophisticated enough to impress sophisticated guests, these petite treats promise pure culinary bliss.

Fresh berries or chocolate drizzles can elevate these charming desserts from delightful to absolutely spectacular.

Grab your mixing bowl and whisk, deliciousness awaits!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 224 kcal

Servings: 11

All Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Select crisp, fresh crackers with a robust, honey-like flavor for optimal texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter with rich, creamy consistency for binding the crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Opt for fine, pure sugar that will provide subtle sweetness to the base.

• Cream Cheese: Pick full-fat, smooth cream cheese at room temperature for silky, luxurious texture.
• Sour Cream: Select tangy, fresh sour cream to enhance the filling's complex flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Use clean, white sugar that dissolves seamlessly into the creamy mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure, high-quality extract with deep, aromatic notes for rich flavor.
• Egg: Choose fresh, large eggs at room temperature for smooth, even incorporation.
• Lemon Juice: Pick bright, zesty fresh lemon for optional subtle citrus undertone.

• Fresh Berries: Select ripe, vibrant seasonal fruits for natural sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Choose dense, stable cream for classic, airy topping.
• Chocolate: Pick high-quality dark or milk chocolate for elegant drizzle.

Tools You’ll Use to Make Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecakes

• Muffin Pan: 12-count standard pan for baking mini cheesecakes.
• Cupcake Liners: 9-10 paper cups to line the muffin pan.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer for blending cream cheese and other filling ingredients.
• Wire Rack: For cooling cheesecakes after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
• Spatula: To scrape and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Refrigerator: For chilling and storing the mini cheesecakes.

Baking Directions for Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecakes

Craft Bite-Sized Cheesecake Delights

• Prep Your Baking Station

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Snag a muffin pan and tuck in some cupcake liners, leaving space for about 9-10 mini masterpieces. This setup ensures your tiny treats will be picture-perfect.

• Build a Crunchy Foundation

Transform graham crackers into a sandy mixture by blending with melted butter and a touch of sweetness. Press this crumbly goodness into each liner, creating a crisp base that’ll make taste buds dance. Give the crust a quick 5-minute toast in the oven to lock in that golden crunch.

• Whip Up Silky Cheesecake Magic

Grab your mixer and transform cream cheese into a cloud-like mixture. Blend in sugar until smooth, then fold in sour cream, vanilla, and a whisper of lemon juice. Gently introduce an egg, mixing just until everything harmonizes into a luxurious batter.

• Bake and Transform

Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared liners, filling each cup with promise. Slide the pan into the oven and watch the magic happen. After 18-20 minutes, you’ll spot perfectly set edges with a subtle jiggle in the center – the hallmark of cheesecake perfection.

• Chill and Embellish

Let your mini cheesecakes cool completely, then tuck them into the refrigerator for a few hours. When ready to serve, go wild with toppings – sprinkle fresh berries, drizzle chocolate, or crown with a dollop of whipped cream.

Mini Cheesecake Tips and Flavor Variations

Explore delightful twists and pro tips to elevate your dessert game.

Experiment with different cookie crusts like Oreo, chocolate chip, or gingersnap instead of traditional graham crackers for an unexpected taste sensation.

Gently fold in fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce into the cheesecake batter before baking to create stunning marbled effects and hidden flavor bursts.

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps, and always mix on low speed to keep the filling smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing after adding the egg to prevent tough, dense cheesecakes.

These mini cheesecakes are perfect for meal prep. Prepare the entire batch up to 3 days in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. They actually taste better as the flavors develop and settle.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecakes

• Garnish with Fruity Freshness: Top these mini cheesecakes with vibrant berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy texture.
• Drizzle with Decadent Sauces: Elevate the dessert by adding a rich chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or a zesty lemon glaze that cascades over the smooth cheesecake surface, creating an irresistible visual and flavor appeal.
• Create a Whipped Cream Wonderland: Crown each mini cheesecake with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings, crushed graham crackers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
• Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a chilled glass of dessert wine, or a creamy chai latte to complement the rich, smooth flavors of these delightful mini cheesecakes.

Storing Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecakes

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Craft these mini cheesecakes up to 24 hours before your event, keeping them refrigerated and covered with plastic wrap to maintain perfect texture and freshness.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
• Portion Control Trick: Create grab-and-go portions by storing each mini cheesecake in a separate small container, making them perfect for quick desserts or packed lunches.
• Topping Preservation Hack: Always add fresh toppings like berries or whipped cream just before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Decadent Paula Deen Mini Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Mini cheesecakes by Paula Deen showcase creamy indulgence with graham cracker crusts and delicate textures. Sweet dessert perfection delivers simple elegance through classic ingredients carefully combined for memorable results.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
• 1 egg, large, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (60g) sour cream, full-fat, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup (80g) graham cracker crumbs (about 5 ½ full sheet graham crackers)
• 2 tbsps (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, but recommended)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Merge graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until sandy. Press 1 1/2 tablespoons into each muffin liner, pre-baking at 350°F for 5 minutes to solidify the foundation.
2. Filling Creation: Using a mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky. Blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently fold in egg, maintaining a thick, smooth consistency without overmixing.
3. Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter across lined muffin pan, filling each cup carefully. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for firm edges and slightly jiggly centers, indicating perfect cheesecake texture.
4. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for minimum 2 hours, allowing complete structural stabilization. Cover loosely if extending refrigeration time.
5. Finishing Touch: Garnish with preferred toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle just before serving. Store remaining mini cheesecakes in sealed container within refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that prevents crumbling and ensures perfect texture.
• Mixing Mindfulness: Blend cream cheese ingredients at medium-high speed, stopping just when combined to avoid overbeating, which can cause cracking during baking.
• Baking Border Watch: Monitor cheesecake edges for firmness while keeping centers slightly jiggly; this prevents overbaking and maintains a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, covering loosely if extending beyond that time to prevent moisture accumulation and preserve delicate surface quality.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 224
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg