These light and fluffy 4th of July Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect holiday treat! Easily make them using a mini cupcake pan and basic ingredients! Easily customize them for any occasion or holiday by switching out the cheesecake topping!
Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafers
This mini cheesecake recipe wins in both flavor and simplicity. This recipe is exceptional, offering a balance of taste and texture. I love making Mini Cheesecakes, because of their playful charm and the fun they bring to the table, compared to a traditional large cheesecake.They’re incredibly versatile for every occasion or holiday by simply topping them off with themed frosting or decorations.
To help you celebrate in style, I’ve put together a fantastic collection of topping ideas for every holiday, ensuring you have the ideal, personalized mini treat for your family or guests!
Get ready to explore the endless possibilities that these mini cheesecakes offer and discover why they should be your go-to choice for any celebration!
Mini Cheesecakes Recipe Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – The base of your cheesecake, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Also is used in the cream cheese frosting.
- White Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake
- Eggs – They help in binding the mixture and adding smoothness.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a zesty, refreshing flavor
- Vanilla – For a hint of vanilla, enhancing the overall taste.
- Mini Nilla Wafers – Serves as the base or crust of the cheesecakes, providing a sweet, crunchy texture.
- Mini Cupcake Liners
- Powdered Sugar– Used to sweeten the frosting.
- Fruit of choice: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- 4th of July Sprinkles
How to Make Mini Cheesecakes
Before starting, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is very important! If you try making the batter when the cream cheese is too cold, then it will not incorporate completely and the cheesecake batter will be too runny!
1) Take two packages (16 oz) of the softened cream cheese and combine it with ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp Lemon Juice, 1 tsp Vanilla and mix together with a hand mixer.
2) After it begins combining, add the additional egg. When the batter is done it should be smooth, but still a little thick. Kind of like a thick cupcake batter.
3) Take a mini cupcake pan and line each cup using mini cupcake liners. Place a Mini Nilla Wafer at the bottom of each cupcake liner. I like to put the flat side down!
4) Take the batter and fill each cup about ½ to ¾ of the way full. I have found it is easiest to do this just using a large spoon.
5) Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
6) Allow them to cool completely before adding frosting or any toppings.
*TIP* I have found that when making my cheesecake batter that it mixes better when I use a hand mixer vs a Bosch or Kitchen Aid! With a hand mixer, you can easily adjust the position of the beaters to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated, especially in smaller batches like this recipe. Stand mixers sometimes have difficulty mixing smaller quantities effectively, leading to unevenly mixed ingredients.
Mini Cheesecake Frosting Recipe:
While the mini cupcakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting.
1) Take 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp vanilla and whip for 2-3 minutes using your hand mixer.
2) After the mini cheesecakes are completely cool, pipe a small amount of cream cheese frosting onto the center of each mini cheesecake. If you don’t have piping bags, then you can also use a ziplock bag and just cut the corner of the bag with scissors.
Mini Cheesecake Cups Fruit Topping
Wash and cut the strawberries into tiny little pieces. If you are going to use blueberries or raspberries, then choose the smallest ones possible.
Arrange the fruit on top of each cheesecake.
Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Another fun variation is to do a chocolate sauce on top of the mini cheesecake and then place a whole strawberry on top of the chocolate!
I have also found that adding sprinkles to the top of the cream cheese frosting is a winner! For the 4th of July, I topped some of mine with Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles instead of topping them with fruit!
Mini Cheesecake Bites Topping Ideas for Any Occasion
New Year’s Eve Toppings
- Edible Gold or Silver Sprinkles: For a festive, sparkly touch.
- Champagne-Infused Whipped Cream: A sophisticated and celebratory addition.
- Star-Shaped Sugar Decorations: Symbolizing the new year’s hopes and dreams.
Valentine’s Day Toppings
- Strawberries: Whole, Halved or even cut strawberries into hearts for a romantic touch.
- Red Velvet Crumbs: For a vibrant, love-themed color.
- Pink and Red Sprinkles: For a fun and easy topping
- Chocolate Shavings and Edible Glitter: To add a luxurious and/or romantic feel.
St. Patrick’s Day Toppings
- Green Tinted Whipped Cream: Colored with a touch of green food dye.
- Mint Chocolate Chips: For a refreshing, minty twist.
- Shamrock-Shaped Sprinkles: To honor the Irish theme.
- Green and Gold Sixlets: Kids love this fun topping.
Easter Toppings
- Cadbury Eggs and Green Grass Candy: Creamy chocolate eggs with a sweet fondant center, perfect for adding a rich, indulgent touch. Green candy shreds that add a playful, spring-like appearance to desserts.
- Easter Peeps: Colorful, marshmallow candies in fun shapes like chicks or bunnies!
- Chocolate Bunnies: Offers a nostalgic and sweet decoration.
- Pastel Colored Sugars: Reflecting the soft colors of Easter.
- Bunny or Egg Shaped Sprinkles: For a playful, festive look.
4th of July Toppings
- Red, White, and Blue Berries: Think strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream.
- Star-Shaped Sprinkles: In patriotic colors.
- Flag-Themed Mini Flags or Toothpick Decorations: Adds a patriotic flair.
- Star Candy: Easy for a version.
Halloween Toppings
- Candy Corn: A Halloween candy staple.
- Orange and Black Sprinkles: For a traditional Halloween color scheme.
- Mini Chocolate Bats or Ghosts: Cute and thematic.
- Oreos made into spiders.
Thanksgiving Toppings
- Caramel Drizzle: For a warm, autumnal feel.
- Chopped Pecans: Reflecting traditional Thanksgiving desserts.
- Mini Marzipan Pumpkins: For a festive touch.
Christmas Toppings
- Crushed Candy Canes: For a minty, festive touch.
- Green and Red Sprinkles: Traditional Christmas colors.
- Mini Gingerbread Men: Adds a cute and seasonal decoration.
- Upside down Strawberry and Frosting to make Santa Hat: An upside-down strawberry topped with a dollop of frosting, creating a charming and edible Santa hat.
- Green and Red Sprinkles: Adds a festive and colorful touch
- Marshmallow Snowman: A cute snowman made from marshmallows, perfect for a whimsical, winter-themed decoration.
- Green Frosting formed to make a Christmas tree: Green frosting piped in the shape of a Christmas tree, a simple yet festive decorative element.
Hanukkah Toppings
- Blue and White Sprinkles: Reflecting the colors of Hanukkah.
- Mini Star of David Toppers: For a symbolic touch.
- Edible Glitter: In blue and silver for a festive sparkle.
How to store Mini Cheesecake Bites
Refrigerating Mini Cheesecakes:
- Cool Completely: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool to room temperature after baking to prevent condensation from forming during storage.
- Refrigeration: Place the mini cheesecakes in a airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They should be kept at a consistent, cool temperature.
- Storage Duration: Mini cheesecakes can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Mini Cheesecakes:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the mini cheesecakes are completely cool before freezing.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each mini cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and taste transfer.
- Additional Protection: For extra protection, you can place the wrapped cheesecakes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freezing: Store the mini cheesecakes in the freezer.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Storage Duration: Properly stored, mini cheesecakes can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Additional Storage Tips:
- Avoid Toppings: If you plan to add toppings, do so just before serving rather than before storing.
- Separate Layers: If stacking them in a container, use parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Looking for some other fun 4th of July Treats? Check these out:
I hope these ideas give you some good ideas! You can also always google ideas! I like to search for “cupcake toppings” when searching. For example, Easter Cupcake Toppings.
I hope these give you lots of ideas and how you could incorporate this delicious yummy treat into your next celebration or holiday!
Below I’ve got a printable recipe card for you, along with a step by step video!
Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafers
Equipment
- Mini Cupcake Pan
- Mini Cupcake Pan Liners
Ingredients
Cheesecake Ingredients
- 2 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- ¾ cup Sugar
- 3 Eggs
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 48 Mini Nilla Wafers
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 1 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Topping Options
- ½ cup Strawberries diced
- ½ cup Blueberries
- ½ cup Raspberries
- Red, White and Blue Sprinkles
Instructions
Mini Cheesecake Instructions
- Before starting, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is very important! If you try making the batter when the cream cheese is too cold, then it will not incorporate completely and the cheesecake batter will be too runny!
- Take two packages (16 oz) of the softened cream cheese and combine it with the ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp Lemon Juice, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract and mix together with a hand mixer. After it begins combining, add the additional egg. When the batter is done it should be smooth, but still a little thick. Kind of like a thick cupcake batter.
- Take a mini cupcake pan and line each cup using mini cupcake liners. Then place a Mini Nilla Wafers at the bottom of each cupcake liner. I like to put the flat side down!
- Take the batter and fill each cup about ¾ of the way full. I have found it is easiest to do this just using a large spoon.Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions
- While the mini cupcakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting.Take 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp vanilla and whip for 2-3 minutes using your hand mixer.
Topping Instructions
- After the mini cheesecakes are completely cool, pipe a small amount of cream cheese frosting onto the center of each mini cheesecake. If you don't have piping bags, then you can also use a ziplock bag and just cut the corner of the bag with scissors.
- Wash and cut the strawberries into tiny little pieces. If you are going to use blueberries or raspberries, then choose the smallest ones possible.
- Arrange the fruit on top of each cheesecake. .
- To make them more kid friendly, add sprinkles to the top of the cream cheese frosting! For the 4th of July, I topped some of mine with Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles instead of topping them with fruit!
- Refrigerate for about an hour before serving!
Video
Notes
MINI CHEESECAKE HOLIDAY TOPPINGS:
- New Years Eve: Gold and Silver Sprinkles
- Valentine’s Day: Strawberries | Pink and Red Sprinkles | Heart Chocolates
- St. Patrick’s Day: Green Sprinkles | Green and Gold Sixlets
- Easter: Cadbury Eggs and Green Grass Candy | Peeps | Chocolate Bunnies
- 4th of July: Red, white and blue Sprinkles | Mini Fruit that is red or blue | Star Candy
- Halloween: Marshmallow Ghosts, candy corn, and orange or brown sprinkles | Black and Orange Sprinkles | Oreos made into spiders.
- Thanksgiving: Candy Corn | Brown and Orange Sprinkles
- Christmas: Upside down Strawberry and Frosting to make Santa Hat | Green and Red Sprinkles | Christmas Tree or Santa Chocolate Candy | Marshmallow Snowman | Green Frosting formed to make a Christmas tree.
Nutrition
I hope you guys enjoy this delicious treat as much as we do!
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If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love it if you’d comment and rate the recipe! I love to hear feedback and answer questions!
Make sure to pin this post for later too! Thanks, friends! Have a great day!
Lizzie
Can these be made the night before they’re needed?
Pam Dana
Absolutely! I just store them in the refrigerator!
Kristyn
These are so perfect!! I love that you can make them a little different by adding different toppings! Cheesecake is my absolute favorite!
Melissa
Yum – we made these at home this week and they were delightful!
Lily
These are the perfect mini cheesecake you can decorate them for any holiday or birthday, they are so versatile, so creamy and delicious as well.
Jessica
These look AMAZING!! I can’t wait to make them every holiday!
Anna
So delicious the perfect summer treat.
Claudia
Can you tell me if it’s lemon extract or juice? Thanks so much!
Melissa
What is the bean paste for?