Valentines Treats Mini Cheesecakes

Name: Valentines Treats Mini Cheesecakes
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup sour cream; Fresh berries; Chocolate sauce; Whipped cream

Highlighted under: Holiday Planning

I can’t help but feel excited when Valentine’s Day rolls around, and what better way to show love than with delicious treats? These mini cheesecakes are my go-to dessert, as they are rich and creamy, yet perfectly portioned for sharing. The best part is that they are easy to make and require no baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying with loved ones. With a hint of vanilla and a buttery crust, these cheesecakes are bound to impress anyone you gift them to.

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2026-01-12T05:53:34.321Z

When I first made these mini cheesecakes, I was amazed at how effortless they were to whip up. I love that you can customize the toppings, whether you choose fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. During one Valentine’s Day, I even made a strawberry coulis as a topping, which elevated the cheesecakes to a whole new level of deliciousness!

This recipe is perfect for those who want a sweet yet elegant dessert without the hassle of baking. The secret is to use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth mixture. Trust me, it makes all the difference in achieving that velvety cheesecake texture.

Why You'll Love These Mini Cheesecakes
Rich and creamy with a hint of vanilla
Perfectly portioned for sharing or indulging
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

Perfecting the Crust

The crust is an essential component of these mini cheesecakes, providing a buttery, crumbly base that contrasts beautifully with the silky filling. When mixing the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, aim for a texture that resembles wet sand; this ensures it holds together when pressed into the liners. Don’t hesitate to use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or your fingers to pack the crust firmly into each liner, which will prevent crumbling when you serve them.

If you're looking for an alternative to graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or even Oreo crumbs can work wonderfully. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of your chosen base. Additionally, you can add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness of the filling.

Crafting the Cheesecake Filling

Achieving a smooth and creamy filling is vital to the success of your mini cheesecakes. Use softened cream cheese to prevent lumps; if your cream cheese is cold, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. When mixing, beat the cream cheese and sugar until it reaches a glossy, lump-free consistency - this should take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Incorporating the eggs one at a time ensures they are well blended without overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture.

Sour cream not only adds richness but also a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the filling. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you're aiming for extra flavor, experiment with adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest to the filling—it will provide a fresh note that offsets the creaminess beautifully.

Chilling and Serving Tips

Chilling the mini cheesecakes is crucial for achieving the right consistency. It's best to refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This extended chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly, resulting in a firm yet creamy texture when you bite into them. While they chill, consider covering them lightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

When it comes time to serve these delightful treats, topping options are abundant! Fresh berries add a pop of color and freshness, while a drizzle of chocolate sauce introduces a decadent touch. For an extra indulgent experience, try adding a dollop of whipped cream. Keep any leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, they can be frozen for up to one month; just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Ingredients

For the crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream

Optional toppings

Fresh berries
Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the crust

In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of each mini cheesecake liner and refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Make the cheesecake filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Finally, stir in the sour cream until well combined.

Fill the crusts

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts in the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.

Chill

Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or overnight to let them set completely before serving.

Serve and enjoy

Top with fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or your favorite toppings before serving.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. Also, let the cheesecakes chill overnight for a firmer texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your mini cheesecakes don't set properly, it might be due to insufficient chilling time or overmixing the filling, which introduces too much air. Ensure that you let them chill for the recommended time and mix gently. If they develop cracks during chilling, you can cover them with toppings, turning potential flaws into decorative touches.

Another common issue is a crust that doesn't hold together well. This could happen if the butter isn't sufficient or if your crust mix is too dry. If you find that the crust crumbles when served, consider adding a little more melted butter and pressing it more firmly into the liners next time.

Ingredient Variations

Personalizing your mini cheesecakes can make them even more special! For a chocolate version, substitute some of the cream cheese with melted chocolate, or mix cocoa powder into the filling. You could also add flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to provide a distinctive twist.

If you're catering to dietary preferences, consider using vegan cream cheese and a suitable dairy-free alternative for sour cream to create a plant-based version of these cheesecakes. Just ensure that your crust is also vegan-friendly, using coconut oil instead of butter if necessary.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable depending on your gathering size. If you want to double the batch, simply multiply all the ingredients by two and use additional cupcake liners. Also, keep in mind that larger quantities may increase the chilling time slightly as they’ll take longer to set, so monitor their consistency before serving.

For smaller gatherings, you can reduce the recipe by half. However, instead of tossing out excess ingredients, you might consider making a single larger cheesecake in a springform pan, adjusting the chilling time as needed—roughly 6-8 hours for a larger cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What if I don't have graham crackers?

You can substitute with digestive biscuits or make a crust from crushed cookies of your choice.

→ Can I freeze the mini cheesecakes?

Yes, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to serve.

→ What are some topping ideas?

You can use fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, caramel, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added texture!