Vanilla Bean Mini Cheesecakes with Honey–Citrus Crust
Learn how to make mini cheesecakes in a standard muffin pan. Step-by-step instructions, simple ingredients, and perfect results.
Servings: 12 servings
Equipment
- Muffin pan
Ingredients
Honey-Citrus Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- zest of 1 small orange or lemon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
Cheesecake Filling
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- fresh berries
- fruit compote
- melted chocolate
- whipped cream
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners. This makes removal easy and keeps the edges tidy.
Make the Crust
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, citrus zest, melted butter, and honey. Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Spoon 1½ tablespoons of crust mixture into each liner. Press firmly using the back of a spoon or a small glass to form an even base.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Add the sugar and mix until creamy.
- Blend in the vanilla, egg, sour cream, and salt. Mix gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture silky, not airy.
Fill the Cups
- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the centers look set but still slightly soft when gently nudged. The tops should remain pale, not browned.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecakes rest inside for 10 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
Cook and Chill
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Finish and Serve
- Just before serving, add your favorite toppings. Fresh berries keep things bright, while chocolate or whipped cream adds indulgence.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Minis
- Room-temperature ingredients ensure a smooth filling
- Gentle mixing keeps the texture dense and creamy
- For clean edges, peel off liners only after chilling