If you love cheesecake but don’t want to make a whole one, make a pan of cheesecake cupcakes. They’re rich and creamy and so easy to make. Plus, you only need five ingredients to make a batch.
Why This Recipe Works.
With over 20 million views, this is one of my most popular recipes. Here’s why it’s so loved.
- Cream cheese gives the cupcakes a dense, creamy texture.
- Bringing the ingredients to room temperature makes for a lump-free batter.
- Baking in a muffin pan eliminates the need for a water bath.
Ingredients.
- Cream cheese. Similar to a New York-style cheesecake, these cupcakes are made with only cream cheese. It gives the cupcakes a dense and creamy texture. Use traditional cream cheese, not whipped cream cheese.
- Granulated sugar. A little granulated sugar adds sweetness.
- Eggs. Add the eggs one at a time. This allows the eggs to fully mix into the batter.
- Vanilla extract. Substitute vanilla extract with any extract you like. For a lemon-y flavor, add two teaspoons of lemon juice and the zest of one lemon.
- Vanilla Wafers. Makes a small crust. Substitute the vanilla wafers with a graham cracker crust, if you’d like. Or omit the cookies. The recipe works without them.
How to Make Cheesecake Cupcakes. Notes for Success.
- Do use room temperature cream cheese and eggs. If there’s one “secret” to making smooth and creamy cheesecake cupcakes, it’s temperature. If the cream or eggs are cold, the batter can be lumpy. It’s worth taking the time to warm the ingredients before mixing.
- Don’t over mix the batter. If you mix too much air into the batter, the cupcakes might sink a lot when they cool. To prevent this, keep the mixer speed low when mixing
- Don’t worry if the cookies don’t cover the entire bottom. Vanilla wafers are a quick and tasty crust for cheesecake cupcakes. The cookies are a little smaller than a standard-size cupcake pan. But it’s enough to give the cupcakes a little flavor and texture.
- Do bake until set. The cupcakes take about 18 minutes to bake. Look for the tops to look set and not shiny. Near the end of baking, they puff slightly. As the cupcakes cool, the filling settles. If the cupcake batter was overmixed or the cupcakes were overbaked, the filling can crack or sink. This does not change the flavor.
- Don’t serve warm. Chill before serving. For the best flavor and texture, chill the cupcakes for at least two hours before serving.
Topping Suggestions
Do cheesecake cupcakes need a topping? That’s up to you. I think they taste great with or without a topping.
- Whipped cream.
- Dollop of either sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
- Fresh berries.
- Jam or marmalade.
How to Store and Freeze.
Store: Keep the cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To freeze: Place cooled cupcakes into a freezer container and freeze for up to three months.
To thaw: Remove the cupcakes from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator. Let thaw overnight.
Easy Cheesecake Cupcakes
Cheesecake cupcakes are rich and creamy and really easy-to-make. Use softened cream cheese and room temperature eggs for a silky smooth batter.
Ingredients
- 12 Nilla (vanilla) wafer cookies
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (453 grams)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (5 ¼ ounces; 148 grams)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (4 ounces; 113 grams out of shell)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Place one Nilla wafer cookie in the bottom of each cupcake cup.
-
Beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese in a medium bowl on low speed until smooth. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until sugar is combined, about one minute.
Stop the mixer and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Mix for an additional 15-seconds.
-
Add 1 egg and mix on low speed until smooth. Scrape the bowl. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Do not overmix or the cupcakes can sink when they cool.
-
Scoop mixture into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.
-
Bake until set, about 18 minutes. Remove pan from the oven. Let cupcakes cool in the pan. Then place the pan in the refrigerator to cool for at least 2 hours.
-
Store the cupcakes in the refrigerator for four days. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes.
Cream cheese. Use block (regular) cream cheese, not whipped. Full fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture but low-fat cream cheese can be used. Avoid fat-free cream cheese, it makes the cupcakes gummy.
Lemon cheesecake variation. Add the zest of one lemon and two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
Angel says
Could I make this with swerve sweetener instead of sugar?
Elizabeth says
I haven’t tried them with Swerve but several people have. It’s worth a try!
Laura says
I tripled the recipe and made 36 mini cheesecakes. They are so good. Super easy to make too!
Ann says
How long did you bake mini cupcakes
Olivia says
Just lovely and so easy to make!
Debra Garcia says
Why do they form a well in the center even after carefully following the instructions?
Jill says
It tells you in the instructions that happens if you over beat/ over mix.
Ann says
Easy to make and better with some orange zest and blackberry topping
Melinda says
Made mini cheese cakes they were a hit will make again for Memorial Day with strawberries &blue berries on top
Nina Jonas says
These cheesecake cupcakes are fabulous! It’s my new go to dish when I have to bring a dish to any function. I usually make a couple batches and freeze them so we always have them on hand.
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Patricia G Randolph says
These cupcakes are so easy to make and are delicious.Cheese cake is my husband’s favorite desert, he liked them as well.
Glenda the Good Witch says
I wish the recipe had nutritional info . . If nothing else a calorie count . . Love the simplicity of this sweet little recipe . . Definitely a keeper . .