Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Decadent, bite-sized pumpkin spice cheesecakes perfect for Halloween parties or fall celebrations. Creamy, festive, and easy to make without the sugar rush.
Equipment
- 24-cup Muffin Tin
- paper liners
- electric mixer,
- - Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups Graham Crackers finely ground (about 10-12 crackers), use gluten-free grahams for gluten-free option
- 5 tablespoons Melted Butter unsalted, vegan butter works as substitute
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar can use coconut sugar as healthier option
Filling
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese softened, Neufchâtel cheese can be lighter alternative
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar adjust to desired sweetness
- 2 large Eggs flax eggs can substitute for vegan version
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt enhances flavor
Optional Toppings
- Whipped Cream for decoration
- Caramel Sauce optional drizzle
- Chopped Pecans optional for added crunch
- Chocolate Shavings optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly combined.
- Line 24-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Press 1-2 tablespoons of graham cracker mixture into bottom of each liner, pressing firmly.
- Bake crusts for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
- Beat softened cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add pumpkin puree and sugar to cream cheese; beat until well combined, scraping sides and bottom of bowl.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt; mix just until combined.
- Pour filling over cooled crusts in muffin cups, filling almost to top without overflowing.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until filling is set but slightly jiggly in center.
- Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecakes cool in oven for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Remove muffin tin from oven and cool completely at room temperature.
- Cover and chill cheesecakes in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Carefully remove bites from muffin tin. Decorate with toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, pecans, or chocolate shavings. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Make ahead for convenience. Try variations like cayenne pepper for heat, chocolate swirl, or gingerbread crust for unique flavors.