This Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe combines all the cozy, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, perfect for any occasion! Single serving pumpkin cheesecakes are perfect whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving something sweet after dinner, these mini cheesecakes are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit!
If you’re a fan of pumpkin desserts, I’ve got a whole collection of pumpkin recipes to try including: Pumpkin Donut Hole Muffins, Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting and impressive yet simple Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes have quickly become one of my favorite fall treats, and I have a feeling they’ll be yours, too! There’s just something about the combination of warm pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake that makes every bite feel like pure comfort on a cool autumn day. Every time I make these, they’re gone within minutes – my family absolutely devours them!
The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and since they’re mini-sized, they feel a little indulgent but not too heavy. Whether you’re a die-hard pumpkin fan or just looking for a fun, festive dessert, these cheesecakes hit all the right notes.
I remember the first time I made these, I was a little nervous about the whole “cheesecake” thing— it always seemed so complicated. But trust me, this recipe is beginner-friendly and foolproof! You’ll get that perfect creamy texture without all the fuss of a full-sized cheesecake, and the mini portions make them ideal for sharing (or, let’s be real, keeping all to yourself). Plus, they’re super versatile—you can top them with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even crushed nuts for a little extra flair. Once you take that first bite, I promise you’ll be hooked!
Not wanting to make mini cheesecakes? Find the full size pumpkin cheesecake recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the cheesecake part scare you! This recipe is simple, and because they’re mini-sized, they’re quicker to bake and cool than a full-sized cheesecake. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll nail it every time with this recipe.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: These mini cheesecakes are just the right size! Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering or enjoying a treat for yourself, they offer the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and spiced flavors in every bite.
- Festive and Versatile: Not only do they taste like fall, but they look the part, too! You can dress them up with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a caramel drizzle to make them extra special for any occasion. They’re sure to impress both family and friends!
How to Make Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
These pumpkin cheesecakes are mini! This means they take a fraction of the time to bake as a regular-sized cheesecake, yet they taste just as good. As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Prepare crust by combining crust ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add one rounded tablespoon of moist crust crumbs into each mini cheesecake space. Use a small bottle to press down the crumbs, to form a crust.
Pumpkin Filling
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin, eggs, sour cream, sugar and spices. Blend until combined.
- Add flour and vanilla, and beat until well combined.
- Pour filling into prepared crusts.
- Bake mini cheesecakes in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool for about 15 minutes.
- Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum.
- Top finished cheesecakes with freshly whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
While they’re delicious on their own, these mini cheesecakes are the perfect canvas for toppings! Try a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or even a caramel drizzle for added flavor and texture.
Storage Information
Refrigerator: After baking and chilling, store the cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these mini cheesecakes freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Top with whipped cream just before serving.
Variations to Try
- Swap out the traditional graham cracker crust for crushed gingerbread cookies. The warm spices in the gingerbread pair perfectly with the pumpkin filling.
- Add a layer of melted chocolate between the crust and the pumpkin cheesecake filling, or swirl some chocolate into the batter for a rich, indulgent twist.
- For a Southern-inspired variation, add a spoonful of pecan pie filling on top of each cheesecake before baking.
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cheesecake batter for a pumpkin spice latte twist.
- Replace some of the sugar in the filling with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. Finish them off with a drizzle of maple syrup or a maple whipped cream topping.
How do I know when the cheesecakes are done?
The cheesecakes are done when the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. They’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to cracks, so keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin thoroughly to get a smooth consistency. You may need to drain some of the excess water from fresh pumpkin puree so the filling doesn’t become too watery.
Can I use a muffin pan instead of a min cheesecake pan?
I made 12 mini cheesecakes using a mini cheesecake pan but this recipe can also be made in a muffin pan. If you buy the silicone muffin pans, it makes these cheesecakes easier to remove. You might need more graham cracker crust mixture if making the cheesecakes in the muffin pan.
Trish’s Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will give you a smooth batter and prevent lumps. You can leave it out on the counter for about 30-60 minutes to soften or microwave it for a few seconds.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to distribute the cheesecake filling evenly across the muffin tin cups. This ensures uniform baking and that all cheesecakes come out the same size.
- You can use 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices listed in the recipe (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves.)
- I made 12 mini cheesecakes using a mini cheesecake pan but this recipe can also be made in a muffin pan. If you buy the silicone muffin pans, it makes these cheesecakes easier to remove. The mini cheesecakes may be a tiny bit of extra work to deal with initially, but once baked and cooled, they make a perfect small serving, with no cutting needed.
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
- Baked Pumpkin French Toast
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread
- Pumpkin Cupcakes
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients
12 Mini Cheesecakes
Crust
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese 1 package
- ½ cup pumpkin puree plus 1 tablespoon
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- pinch of cloves
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
9 inch Cheesecake
Crust
- 1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese 3 packages
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree 1 can
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
For Mini Cheesecakes
- Prepare crust by combining crust ingredients in a small bowl. Mix to combine with a fork. Add one rounded tablespoon of moist crust crumbs into each mini cheesecake space. Use a small bottle (such as a spice bottle, or a shot glass) to press down the crumbs, to form a crust.¾ cup graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prepare the Filling
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, sour cream, sugar and spices. Blend until combined. Add flour and vanilla, and beat until well combined.8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons sour cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg, pinch of cloves, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour filling into prepared crusts. Divide batter among the 12 spaces.
- Bake mini cheesecakes in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool about 15 minutes. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum.
- Top finished cheesecakes with freshly whipped cream.
For Full Size Cheesecake
- Prepare crust by combining crust ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix to combine with a fork. Transfer to a 9 inch springform pan. Use a measuring cup or bottom of a glass to press down the crumbs, to form a crust.1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pumpkin Filling
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, sour cream, sugar and spices. Blend until combined. Add flour and vanilla, and beat until well combined.24 ounces cream cheese, 15 ounces pumpkin puree, 3 large eggs, ¼ cup sour cream, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon cloves, 2 tablespoons all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour filling into prepared crust.
- Bake cheesecake 1 hour. Open oven door and let cheesecake cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours before serving.
- Top finished cheesecakes with freshly whipped cream.
Notes
Pan Choice I made 12 mini cheesecakes using a mini cheesecake pan but this recipe can also be made in a muffin pan. If you buy the silicone muffin pans, it makes these cheesecakes easier to remove. The mini cheesecakes may be a tiny bit of extra work to deal with initially, but once baked and cooled, they make a perfect small serving, with no cutting needed. Keep in mind that you may need to make more graham cracker crust mixture if using the muffin pan instead of the cheesecake pan. Storage Information Refrigerator: After baking and chilling, store the cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert! Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these mini cheesecakes freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Top with whipped cream just before serving.
Nutrition
Originally published November 15, 2012.
Guniz says
Hey there,
I just made them for my friend birthday and it was a big success, thank you for the recipe!
ALHoward says
I just finished baking 2 dozen and I have them in the fridge chilling! The filling is sooo good! Can’t wait till their chilled and I can add whipped cream! Thx for the recipe! It’s def a keeper!
Lynn says
If you bake them in a mini muffin pan (silicone), how long is the baking time?? And has anyone baked them in a sheet pan and cut into squares with success, and how long would that baking time be? Unfortunately, I am not good at transposing baking times!
Subrina says
What a great recipe! I made mine low-fat by using neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese. And, I used non-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. And, I used Trader Joe’s toasted coconut cookie thins instead of graham crackers. It was still decadent! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Natalie says
Made the minis last night for thanksgiving and they were absolutely amazing ! I used a regular muffin tin I just sprayed it really well and lined the bottoms with a piece of parchment and they came right out 🙂
Meredith says
Is this self rising flour or all purpose?
MacKenzie says
Hey there!
Just made this recipe and I LOVE them! So so good!
I also made them in a mini muffin/cupcake tin, with liners, and I have to transport them so leaving them in the liners work perfectly.
I also wanted to mention that with the mini muffin tins, I made the recipe as listed, but I had WAY more leftover cheesecake filling, so I made more crust and ended up with almost two dozen! I think this is really nice because when you are making mini anything, more is always better!!
Thanks!!
Leah says
Oh YUM — never mind some fancy pan, I made these in a muffin tin too (with cupcake holders) and they are PERFECT. Might be my favourite new pumpkin dessert!
I especially love the portions — usually paying $5 for two packages of cream cheese to make a cheesecake turns me right off the whole process, so a recipe that only calls for 1 package is a very nice treat 🙂 Plus I’m pretty sure 12 pumpkin cheesecakes is still more than enough for just my husband and I!!
One note — I forgot to even spray the cupcake holders, and the cheesecakes still popped out no problem. I also added 1/2 tsp of ginger to the mix, just because I like a bit of spice to my pumpkin. I’ll definitely make this recipe again!
janice says
i just made these last night for our weekly family dinners – and they were DELICIOUS. i just used regular sized muffin pans…and just doubled the recipe. i usually look at the comments below before trying out new recipes but i just went for it and so glad i did. thank you for the yummy recipe, i have this page as a favorite now.
Lauren says
You doubled the bake time as well ? So 40mins?
Harriet says
see you said cheese cake will last 2 days in refrigerator. I make cheese cakes all the time and i have a hard time getting them to stay in refrigerator long enough to cool. let alone last 2 days. : <)
but the one thing i found is to beat the filling very well after each egg is add, it gives the best texture and is very creamy filling. just thought i would pass on the tip. and pumpkin is one of are fall favorites along with Apple caramel. Going to try a peanut butter chocolate one for the next family get together. but think i like the idea of small ones then you don't make a mess cutting. but thanks for sharing your receipt.