No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

By Jill Baird · Published December 3, 2023 · 2 Comments

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This No Bake Mini Cheesecake recipe is the perfect dessert to serve at parties, potlucks, or at home for the family. Each mini cheesecake cup has the same rich and creamy texture and buttery cookie crust as a traditional cheesecake but without all of the baking.

If you're in need of a simple yet impressive dessert, look no further. This mini no bake cheesecake recipe is a crowd-pleaser and requires minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these delightful treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create these delectable mini cheesecakes that are perfect for any occasion.

No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (1)
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  • No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe
  • Mini No Bake Cheesecake Ingredients
  • How to Make No Bake Mini Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafers
  • Toppings for Mini Cheesecake Cups
  • Recipe Variations for Mini Cheesecake
  • Storing and Make Ahead Instructions
  • No Bake Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe

These adorable little No Bake Mini Cheesecakes with vanilla wafers are such a quick and easy sweet treat that can be made without ever turning on the stove. They are luscious, creamy and ultra rich like a cheesecake should be, with a sweet and crunchy Nilla Wafer Crust, graham cracker crust, or an easy oreo crust that basically melts in your mouth.

If you want to make these extra mini, you can also build them in muffin pans using cupcake liners. As long as they have had enough time to set up in the fridge (at least an hour or two), they will peel away from the liners.

We topped this version with strawberries and blueberries to give it a red, white and blue patriotic theme for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. But, there is really no limit to what you can choose to top these little beauties with. We’ve given you loads of ideas below, or try something else and let us know what worked!

No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2)

Mini No Bake Cheesecake Ingredients

  • Butter - this should be melted but not hot.
  • Nilla Wafers - if you don't have a food processor, an easy way to crush these is to put them into a ziplock bag and press a rolling pin over them until they are small and even crumbs. You can also substitute graham cracker crumbs or crushed Oreos.
  • Sugar - regular white granulated sugar.
  • Cinnamon - adding ground cinnamon is completely optional, but tastes great.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream - be sure that your cream is nice and cold before whipping.
  • Cream Cheese - it is crucial that this be soft, room temperature cream cheese. If it isn’t soft enough when you go to make it, you can transfer to a microwave-safe container and warm up 10 seconds at a time until soft but not melted.
  • Powdered Sugar - it’s always a good idea to sift your powdered sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract tastes best.
  • Fruit for topping: to make these red, white and blue we used blueberries and strawberries, but really any kind of fruit will taste great here.
No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (3)

How to Make No Bake Mini Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafers

  1. Make the crust. Place 10 clear 8 ounce cups on a baking sheet and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, Nilla Wafer crumbs, sugar and cinnamon and mix well, then spoon about 3 tablespoons into the bottom of each cup. Press lightly and evenly to form the crust and set aside.
  2. Whip cream. In a large bowl, whisk the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, then set aside.
  3. Mix the cheesecake filling together. Place the room temperature cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer (or bowl with the beater attachment of a hand mixer) and beat the cream cheese using the paddle attachment until fluffy. Once the cream cheese is fluffy, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix again until fluffy. Lightly fold in the whipped cream in a few additions using a rubber spatula, mixing just until the cheesecake mixture is evenly combined.
  4. Build cheesecakes. Add the cheesecake mixture to a piping bag and pipe an equal amount into the prepared cups. Top each mini cheesecake with blueberries and strawberries (or any other fruit that you want).
  5. Refrigerate and serve. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Toppings for Mini Cheesecake Cups

We love making mini cheesecakes around the Fourth of July, so we will often make them with blueberries and strawberries for a red, white and blue theme. However, these taste amazing with a whole variety of other toppings. Here are some other ideas:

  • Lemon Curd and fresh berries.
  • Sugared Cranberries or Cranberry Orange Sauce during the holidays.
  • Chocolate Ganache set over the top, garnished with fresh raspberries.
  • Fresh fruit, such as fresh kiwi, mango, pineapple or peaches.
  • Grilled fruit, such as pineapples or peaches.
  • Macerated Strawberries- So quick and easy!
No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (4)

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the mini no bake cheesecakes?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different from using regular cream cheese.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! You can use crushed Oreos, gingersnaps, or even vanilla wafer crumbs as a delicious alternative to graham cracker crumbs for the crust of the mini no bake cheesecakes.

How far in advance can I make these mini no bake cheesecakes?

You can make these mini no bake cheesecakes up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Can I add fruit or other toppings to the mini no bake cheesecakes?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Fresh berries, fruit compote, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauce are all wonderful options to add a pop of flavor and color to your mini no bake cheesecakes.

Can I freeze the mini no bake cheesecakes for later?

Yes, you can freeze the mini no bake cheesecakes. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe Variations for Mini Cheesecake

It’s super easy to add a little extra flavor to the cheesecake filling if you want something other than plain cream cheese. These are all super yummy additions to mix into the base:

  • Peanut Butter (add ½ cup)
  • Nutella (add ½ cup)
  • Chocolate (add about 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and use Oreos for the crust)
  • Key Lime (add 1 tablespoon of key lime juice and 2 teaspoons lime zest)
  • Lemon (add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest)
  • Fruit Preserves (add ¼ cup)

Storing and Make Ahead Instructions

  • Make-Ahead: these No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. If you choose to do this, we recommend topping with the fruit just before serving.
  • Refrigerator: To store any leftovers, cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: if you want to freeze mini cheesecakes, be sure and wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be held frozen for up to 1 month this way, then thawed out in the fridge overnight before topping and serving.

No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (5)

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No Bake Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

These individually portioned No Bake Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect dessert to serve at parties, potlucks or at home for the family. They have the same rich and creamy texture and buttery cookie crust as a traditional cheesecake, without all of the baking.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cooling Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Calories 5193kcal

Author The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

Nilla Wafer Crust

  • 6 tablespoon Butter melted
  • 1 ½ Cup Nilla Wafer Crumbs can substitute graham crackers or Oreos
  • ¼ Cup Sugar
  • Pinch Cinnamon optional

Cheesecake

  • 1 ¼ Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 16 oz Cream Cheese room temperature
  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Toppings

  • 1 pint Blueberries
  • 1 quart Strawberries quartered

Instructions

  • Place 10 clear 8 ounce cups on a baking sheet and set aside.

  • In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, Nilla Wafer crumbs, sugar and cinnamon and mix well, then spoon about 3 tablespoons into the bottom of each cup. Press lightly and evenly to form the crust and set aside.

  • In a large bowl, whisk the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, then set aside.

  • Place the room temperature cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer (or bowl with the beater attachment of a hand mixer) and beat cream cheese using the paddle attachment until fluffy.

  • Once the cream cheese is fluffy, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix again until fluffy.

  • Lightly fold in the whipped cream in a few additions using a rubber spatula, mixing just until the cheesecake mixture is evenly combined.

  • Add the cheesecake mixture to a piping bag and pipe an equal amount into the prepared cups.

  • Top each mini cheesecake with blueberries and strawberries (or any other fruit that you want) and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 5193kcal | Carbohydrates: 459g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 366g | Saturated Fat: 209g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g | Monounsaturated Fat: 95g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1087mg | Sodium: 2845mg | Potassium: 2833mg | Fiber: 33g | Sugar: 329g | Vitamin A: 12912IU | Vitamin C: 604mg | Calcium: 839mg | Iron: 7mg

More Easy No Bake Recipes

  • Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats
  • Mini No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Oreo Parfaits
  • Soft and Chewy Scotcharoo Bars
  • Peanut Butter Bars
  • Berry Trifle Recipe
  • No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Dip
  • More Dessert Recipes
  • More No Bake Desserts

These No Bake Mini Cheesecakes with Nilla Wafers are ultra rich and creamy with a sweet and crunchy Nilla Wafer base that basically melts in your mouth. They make a super quick and easy sweet treat that can be finished without ever even turning on the stove.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ashley F.

    Literally our favorite dessert to make! The mini desserts are perfect for kids!

    Reply

  2. Katie

    I love how easy yet amazing these are. Cheesecake is my favorite and this makes it easier to have it!

    Reply

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No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why are my mini cheesecakes falling in? ›

Not enough structural support: Cheesecake may need eggs and other binding agents to hold it up and keep its shape. Not baked long enough: If the cheesecake hasn't been baked for the full amount of time specified in the recipe, it may not have had enough time to set properly.

Why didn't my no-bake cheesecake set? ›

However, heavy cream won't whip up well unless it's cold. That means you need to ensure both the heavy cream and the cream cheese are fridge-cold. If your ingredients are too warm, you'll end up with a soupy mixture that will never set, no matter how long you leave it in the fridge.

How do I make my no-bake cheesecake firmer? ›

To get cheesecake filling to firm up completely, it needs to be refrigerated for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. If you skip this step, the texture of the cheesecake will be more like mousse. Obviously, the goal is to create a firm cheesecake filling, similar to a baked cheesecake filling.

How to thicken no-bake cheesecake batter without gelatin? ›

Use Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream

To thicken your no-bake cheesecake filling, make sure you're using a full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese won't give you the same results. Adding heavy cream can also help to thicken the filling and give it a smoother texture.

How do you know when mini cheesecakes are done? ›

You'll know they are done when you can gently touch the top of the cheesecakes and the center no longer jiggles. Let the mini cheesecakes cool on a wire rack and then refrigerate them for at least 3 hours before serving.

How do you know when a no bake cheesecake is set? ›

You want the outer 2-3 inches of the cheesecake to look more set and less jiggly, and in the center to be the party that's jiggly. It should wobble a bit, but not too much. If it looks liquid-y still and has kind of a sloshy wiggle, it's not done it. If it's just set and still jiggly, it should be good.

How do you know if no bake cheesecake is bad? ›

When in doubt, give it a smell. A sour, off-putting odor is a definite sign it has spoiled and should not be consumed. Always store your no bake cheesecake in the refrigerator. If not consuming immediately, cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap, not foil as it can give off a metallic taste.

Why is my no bake cheesecake base too hard? ›

If your cheesecake base is too hard – this can be down to a few things, such as brands of biscuits, too much butter, or a really cold fridge (or if you froze the cheesecake). Generally I stick to a rule of about 100-150g of butter in a biscuit base.

Should I cover no bake cheesecake in the fridge? ›

Here are some tips for storing no-bake cheesecakes:
  1. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
  2. If the cheesecake has a crust, store it separately from the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Feb 17, 2023

What not to do when making cheesecake? ›

16 Mistakes You're Making With Homemade Cheesecake
  1. Working with cold ingredients. Hobo_018/Getty Images. ...
  2. Using whipped cream cheese. ...
  3. Using low-fat cream cheese. ...
  4. Undermixing your cheesecake. ...
  5. Not diversifying your cheeses. ...
  6. Not being careful with your eggs. ...
  7. Only making plain cheesecake. ...
  8. Baking in anything but a springform pan.
May 29, 2023

How to make a no bake cheesecake set faster? ›

Yes, you can freeze a no-bake cheesecake to hasten its setting time. However, you should only keep it in the freezer for approximately an hour since if you keep it there for too long, it might freeze solid.

Is Jello no bake cheesecake good? ›

Jello No Bake is a delicious product and simple, absolutely simple to make!!! I am a big fan of cheesecake but it is a bit involved to prepare. This Jello No Bake is right up there with the appearance, flavor, and texture of cheesecake! The only difference is that it is so much quicker and easier to prepare.

Why is my no bake cheesecake chunky? ›

Your cream cheese needs to be room temperature before mixing. Trying to whip cold cream cheese into the filling will result in little lumps. Try this: Pull the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before mixing. Unwrap the cream cheese and cut it into cubes if you're in a hurry to get the cake in the fridge.

How to prevent cheesecake from shrinking? ›

Grease the pan well. A baked cheesecake shrinks as it cools. If the sides of your pan are not thoroughly greased, the cheesecake may cling to the sides and pull apart in the center as it shrinks. Greasing the pan encourages the cheesecake to pull away from the sides and shrink in.

Can you eat a sunken cheesecake? ›

The only thing that might be affected is the texture (it might be slightly coarse or a tad on the dry side – for a cheesecake), but I can guarantee it will still be delicious. There is only 1 very simple thing you have to do with your cracked (or sunken) cheesecake and that is: … cover it up with a topping!

How do you keep mini cheesecakes from cracking? ›

Baking in a water bath is simply adding a pan of hot water to the oven while baking foods like cheesecakes that are prone to cracking from the heat of the oven. A water bath adds moisture to the oven which helps the cheesecake bake evenly without the outside getting overcooked.

How long can mini cheesecakes sit out? ›

The USDA says to avoid the “danger zone” you must place a cooled cheesecake in the fridge within two hours. You can set a timer for yourself so you don't forget and risk wasting all that beautiful, rich dessert.

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