Heavenly Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafer Crust Recipe

Decadent and creamy, these dreamy mini cheesecakes with vanilla wafer crust deliver pure dessert magic in every single bite.

The buttery, crisp vanilla wafer base provides a delightful crunch beneath the silky smooth cheesecake filling.

Small yet spectacular, these individual treats turn an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Each miniature dessert promises a perfect balance of textures and rich, tangy flavor.

The compact size makes them ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or quiet moments of personal indulgence.

Whip up these irresistible little delights and watch as they become the star of your dessert table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients In Super Easy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust

• Vanilla Wafers: Provides a crispy, sweet base that adds delightful texture and classic flavor to the mini cheesecakes.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, smooth, creamy foundation with tangy undertones; choose full-fat for best consistency.
• Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and adds perfect sweetness; granulated works best for smooth incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes; use pure extract for most authentic taste.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and creates silky, custard-like texture in cheesecake.

• Whipped Cream: Adds light, airy contrast to dense cheesecake; homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
• Fresh Berries: Brings bright, fresh burst of color and natural sweetness to complement creamy base.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces rich, buttery sweetness that complements tangy cheesecake.
• Chocolate Sauce: Offers decadent, smooth flavor for chocolate lovers seeking extra indulgence.

Tools For Super Easy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust

• Muffin Tin: 12-count standard size for perfectly portioned mini cheesecakes.
• Cupcake Liners: Essential for easy removal and clean serving.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to blend cream cheese, sugar, and eggs smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Crucial for creating a creamy, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent results.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and transfer batter evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Optional for initial cooling before refrigeration.

How To Prepare Super Easy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust

• Prep the Cheesecake Setup

Grab your muffin tin and line it with cute paper liners. Drop a vanilla wafer into each liner, making sure it sits perfectly flat.

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your mixing bowl and blend cream cheese with sugar until it’s silky smooth. Add a splash of vanilla and crack in an egg, mixing just until everything comes together beautifully.

• Fill and Smooth

Carefully pour the dreamy cheesecake mixture into each liner, filling them about three-quarters full. Aim for even distribution to create picture-perfect mini treats.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into a preheated 350F oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges look set but the centers still have a gentle wiggle – that’s the secret to creamy cheesecake magic.

• Chill and Dress Up

Let the mini cheesecakes cool for 10 minutes at room temperature. Then tuck them into the refrigerator for at least two hours. When ready to serve, go wild with toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or a decadent drizzle of caramel.

Tips For Super Easy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust

• Perfectly Creamy Texture: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and create a silky smooth filling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, stored covered in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or ground almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and equally delicious.
• Flavor Remix: Experiment with different extract variations like almond, lemon, or coconut to create unique flavor profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
• No-Crack Technique: Avoid overbaking by removing cheesecakes when centers are slightly jiggly, as they'll continue setting during cooling and chilling process.

Serving Super Easy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust

• Sweet Berry Topping Extravaganza: Scatter fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries on top for a burst of fruity freshness that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.
• Decadent Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over each mini cheesecake, creating elegant swirls that add rich, luxurious flavor to the dessert.
• Caramel Crunch Delight: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or toasted nuts on top, then add a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a crunchy, sweet finishing touch that elevates the texture and taste.
• Seasonal Spice Sensation: Dust the mini cheesecakes with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice during fall, or add a zesty lemon or orange zest for a bright, refreshing twist in spring and summer.

Storage Tips For Super Easy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and creamy.
• Smart Portioning Approach: Wrap individual cheesecakes in plastic wrap before refrigerating to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze these delightful treats for up to 3 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving, allowing flavors to develop and reducing day-of preparation stress while keeping the dessert incredibly delicious.

Dreamy Mini Cheesecakes With Vanilla Wafer Crust Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Mini Cheesecake Delights showcase creamy New York-style cheesecake nestled on crisp vanilla wafer crusts. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these individual desserts perfect for entertaining or enjoying a sweet personal treat.

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Ingredients

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• 12 vanilla wafer cookies (like Nilla Wafers)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
• Caramel or chocolate drizzle

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and position a vanilla wafer at the base of each, flat side down.
2. Cream Mixture: Blend cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency, then gently fold in vanilla extract and egg until just combined.
3. Filling and Baking: Distribute the cheesecake mixture evenly across 12 muffin cups, filling three-quarters full, and bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and centers slightly wobble.
4. Cooling Process: Allow cheesecakes to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting and flavor development.
5. Serving: Garnish each mini cheesecake with optional toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or a luxurious drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce before presenting.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing the batter and overbaking to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface on your mini cheesecakes.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently to prevent incorporating excess air, which can cause unwanted cracks or uneven rising.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives, and use gluten-free vanilla wafers for alternative diet options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg