Paula Deen Mini Cheesecake Recipe Bites You’ll Adore

Paula Deen’s mini cheesecakes represent the ultimate bite-sized dessert for sweet lovers seeking compact indulgence.

Compact yet decadent, these miniature delights promise a perfectly portioned treat that satisfies intense sugar cravings.

Crafted with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, the recipe transforms ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Graham cracker crusts provide a crisp foundation for the silky smooth cream cheese filling, creating textural magic in every single bite.

Each petite dessert delivers rich, creamy sensations that melt delightfully on your tongue.

Versatile toppings like fresh berries or chocolate drizzle can elevate these charming little delicacies from simple to spectacular.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward technique and impress friends and family with professional-looking results: get ready to become the dessert hero!

Step-by-Step Guide to Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F / 177°C. Grab a standard 12-count muffin pan and line it with 9-10 cupcake liners. This recipe will make about 9-10 adorable mini cheesecakes, so you might have a few empty spots.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Mix until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press about 1 of this delicious base into each liner. Pop the pan in the oven and pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Optional lemon juice

Mix thoroughly. Gently add the egg and beat just until combined. The batter will be thick and luscious.

Step 4: Fill the Cheesecake Cups

Carefully distribute the batter among the prepared liners, adding about to each cup.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers still have a slight wiggle.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Let the mini cheesecakes cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 1 day). If chilling longer, loosely cover them. Don’t worry if they sink a bit – that just makes room for yummy toppings!

Step 7: Dress and Serve

Before serving, go wild with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a chocolate drizzle. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – if they last that long!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

• Tap Out Air Bubbles: Gently tap the filled cupcake liners on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles that might create uneven surfaces or weird textures.
• Cool Gradually to Prevent Cracking: After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the mini cheesecakes cool slowly inside to minimize potential surface cracks.
• Check Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh cream cheese and sour cream close to their expiration date for the best flavor and smoothest consistency in your mini cheesecakes.
• Soften Cream Cheese Correctly: Leave cream cheese on the counter for about 30 minutes before mixing. Avoid microwaving, which can create uneven softening.
• Use Precise Measurements: Level off ingredients with a straight edge to ensure accurate proportions that guarantee consistent, delicious results every time.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

• Freeze with Strategic Layering: Carefully wrap each mini cheesecake in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Stack them gently in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for unexpected dessert cravings.
• Refrigerate for Peak Freshness: Transfer cooled mini cheesecakes to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Position them carefully without touching to preserve their delicate decorations. Consume within 5 days for optimal taste and creamy texture. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain their pristine quality.
• Room Temperature Precaution: Allow freshly baked mini cheesecakes to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Never seal warm desserts, as condensation can make crusts soggy and compromise their delightful texture. Wait until they reach room temperature to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

• Fruity Fusion: Swirl fresh berry compote into the cheesecake batter before baking for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile. Top with matching fresh berries for an extra burst of color and taste.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix melted dark chocolate into half the batter, creating a marbled effect. Garnish with chocolate shavings and a light chocolate drizzle for intense cocoa lovers.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on the graham cracker crust before adding the filling. Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the finished mini cheesecakes for a rich, decadent touch.
• Seasonal Spice Sensation: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into the cheesecake batter for an autumn-inspired version. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small candied pecan for extra warmth.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

Miniature cheesecakes offer delightful moments of pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.

Paula Deen’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into elegant personal treats perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings.

Classic graham cracker crusts provide a delectable foundation for creamy, smooth cream cheese fillings that melt seamlessly on palates.

Versatile toppings like fresh berries, chocolate drizzles, or whipped cream elevate these bite-sized delicacies to new culinary heights.

Home bakers can master this straightforward recipe with minimal equipment and ingredients.

You’ll discover pure joy in crafting these irresistible mini cheesecakes that promise to impress family and friends – so grab your mixing bowl, share this recipe, drop a comment below, and let the baking adventure begin!

What Makes Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake a Bite-Sized Delight

• Savor Bite-Sized Bliss: These mini cheesecakes offer perfectly portioned dessert indulgence that eliminates messy cutting and provides individual serving convenience.
• Craft Effortless Elegance: With a simple 35-minute preparation time and straightforward mixing technique, even novice bakers can create professional-looking desserts that impress guests without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Customize Your Delight: The recipe's versatile design allows endless topping variations like fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream, making each mini cheesecake a personalized sweet experience that adapts to different taste preferences and special occasions.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor, melted for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust mixture.

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates the creamy and smooth cheesecake texture, best at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the cheesecake, enhancing its rich flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the creamy filling.
• Lemon Juice: Optional ingredient that can brighten the flavor with a slight citrus note.

• Egg: Helps bind the filling and provides structure to the cheesecake, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

Paula Deen Mini Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Mini Cheesecake brings classic Southern charm to bite-sized dessert perfection. Creamy, rich cheesecake nestles in delicate graham cracker crusts, promising a delightful sweet experience you’ll savor with each elegant mini indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (60g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature

Crust Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup (80g) graham cracker crumbs (about 5 ½ full sheet graham crackers)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, but recommended)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F / 177°C and arranging a standard 12-count muffin pan with 9–10 protective paper liners to ensure easy removal of the mini cheesecakes.
2. Craft the foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a sandy consistency. Firmly compress approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each liner, then briefly pre-bake for 5 minutes to enhance structural integrity.
3. Create the creamy filling by utilizing a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Whip cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until achieving a smooth, velvety texture. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice, blending thoroughly. Gently introduce the egg, mixing on medium speed until just combined, maintaining a thick batter consistency.
4. Distribute the prepared batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each with approximately 1 tablespoon of the luxurious mixture.
5. Position the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, monitoring until the edges become firm while the centers retain a slight trembling motion.
6. Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool within the pan atop a wire rack for 30 minutes. Transition them to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 24 hours for optimal setting. If extending chilling time beyond 2 hours, loosely cover the delicate desserts. Anticipate a subtle central depression, perfect for accommodating additional toppings.
7. Personalize and preserve by adorning with preferred garnishes such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle immediately before serving. Refrigerate any remaining delicacies in a sealed container for up to 5 days, maintaining their delectable quality.

Notes

• Cooling transforms these mini delights into creamy, rich treats that melt in your mouth with decadent smoothness.
• Refrigeration helps the cheesecake set perfectly, developing deeper flavors and creating a luxurious texture.
• Gentle mixing prevents air bubbles from causing unsightly surface cracks during baking.
• Compact crust provides a sturdy foundation that holds together beautifully when you take a bite.
• Bringing ingredients to room temperature ensures silky-smooth filling without any unwanted lumps or texture inconsistencies.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg