This delightful Easter Egg Mini Cheesecakes recipe transforms simple ingredients into irresistible bite-sized desserts that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with creamy cheesecake and colorful Mini Eggs, these treats are perfect for your Easter celebration or spring gathering. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes of active time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Size: These mini cheesecakes are individually portioned, making them ideal for serving at gatherings without the fuss of slicing a full-sized cheesecake.
- Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare these a day or two before your event and free up valuable time when you need it most.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will absolutely adore the colorful Mini Eggs, and they can even help with decorating!
- Impressive Yet Simple: These cheesecakes look like they took hours to make, but they’re surprisingly straightforward – your secret is safe with me!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs: Creates that classic cheesecake base with the perfect crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the tangy cheesecake layer.
- Unsalted butter: The essential binding agent that gives the crust its rich flavor and holds everything together.
For the Cheesecake:
- Cream cheese: The star of the show! Use full-fat for the creamiest results.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevents cracking.
- Egg: Provides structure and richness to the cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Mini Eggs: These colorful candy-coated chocolate eggs add festive flair and delicious chocolate bits throughout.
For the Topping (Optional):
- Vanilla frosting: Creates a sweet base for securing additional Mini Eggs on top.
- Mini Eggs: For that picture-perfect finishing touch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Swap the graham cracker crumbs for chocolate cookie crumbs and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter for a chocolate-on-chocolate experience.
Lemon Burst
Add the zest of one lemon to the cheesecake mixture for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the sweet Mini Eggs.
Marbled Beauty
Reserve 1/4 cup of the cheesecake batter and mix with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Drop spoonfuls over the regular batter and swirl with a toothpick before baking.
White Chocolate Bliss
Add 1/3 cup of melted white chocolate to the cheesecake mixture for an extra layer of decadence.
How to Make Easter Egg Mini Cheesecakes
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners, which will make removal and serving so much easier later.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Divide this mixture evenly among the paper liners, then press down firmly using the back of a spoon to create a compact base.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar and flour, mixing until well incorporated. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined – don’t overmix! Gently fold in the chopped Mini Eggs, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over each crust, filling each liner about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Allow the cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once they reach room temperature, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set properly.
Step 6: Decorate (Optional)
Just before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a swirl of vanilla frosting and additional Mini Eggs for that extra festive touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in your cheesecake batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Gentle Cooling: Allow cheesecakes to cool gradually to prevent sudden temperature changes that might cause sinking middles.
- Chopping Mini Eggs: Place them in a sealed bag and gently tap with a rolling pin for perfect pieces without crushing them to dust.
- Even Portions: Use a cookie scoop for precisely portioned crusts and filling in each liner.
How to Serve
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange these colorful mini cheesecakes on a tiered stand for an eye-catching Easter dessert table centerpiece.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with fresh berries on the side or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Drink Pairings:
Serve with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine like Moscato for adults. For the kids, a small glass of milk makes the perfect accompaniment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These mini cheesecakes will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, add the optional frosting and additional Mini Eggs just before serving.
Freezing
These cheesecakes freeze exceptionally well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. If stacking is necessary, place parchment paper between layers.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Simply thaw frozen cheesecakes overnight in the refrigerator or for about 2 hours at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make these mini cheesecakes without the Mini Eggs?
Absolutely! You can omit the Mini Eggs entirely for a classic mini cheesecake, or substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries depending on the season or occasion.
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Why did my cheesecakes sink in the middle?
Mini cheesecakes often form a slight depression in the center as they cool – this is perfectly normal and makes a great little cradle for your toppings! However, if they sink dramatically, it could be due to overmixing the batter or opening the oven door during baking.
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Can I use cupcake liners instead of muffin liners?
Yes! Regular cupcake liners work perfectly for this recipe. The terms are often used interchangeably, so use whichever you have on hand.
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How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are done baking?
The centers should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. If the tops are starting to brown, they’re likely overdone.
Final Thoughts
These Easter Egg Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect balance of impressive and effortless – exactly what we all need during the busy holiday season! They’re guaranteed to bring smiles to your Easter gathering while saving you from spending hours in the kitchen. The individually-sized portions make serving a breeze, and that delightful surprise of Mini Eggs in every bite makes them irresistible to guests of all ages. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your dessert table!
PrintEaster Egg Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat perfect for Easter, these mini cheesecakes boast a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and festive Mini Eggs. They’re easy to make, customizable with toppings, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 10 Tbsp unsalted butter
Cheesecake
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Mini Eggs, chopped
Topping (optional)
- Vanilla frosting
- Mini Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and set it aside to prepare for the cheesecakes. - Prepare the crust
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until fully combined. Evenly divide the mixture among the lined muffin cups, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon to form a base. - Make the cheesecake filling
In another bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped Mini Eggs to evenly disperse them throughout the batter. - Assemble and bake
Divide the cheesecake filling evenly on top of the prepared crusts in the muffin pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the center of each cheesecake is set. - Cool and chill
Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool in the muffin pan for approximately 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks and let them cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecakes for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure they are fully set. - Add toppings (optional)
If desired, top the chilled mini cheesecakes with a dollop of vanilla frosting and garnish with extra Mini Eggs for a festive touch!
Notes
- The total time mentioned does not include the time required for refrigerating the cheesecakes.
- For a variation, you can crush different types of festive chocolate candies to incorporate into the cheesecake filling or as a topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg