Mini Coffee Cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and packed with bold coffee flavor, all set atop a crunchy Oreo crust. These bite-sized delights are perfect for coffee lovers and make an elegant addition to any dessert table. With their smooth texture and deep espresso notes, they’re a delicious twist on the classic cheesecake—ideal for parties, holidays, or a personal treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich coffee flavor blended seamlessly into a creamy cheesecake filling
- Perfectly portioned mini size, ideal for serving and storing
- No need for a water bath or springform pan—easy to make in a muffin tin
- Make-ahead friendly for entertaining or meal prep
- Elegant yet simple, topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Oreo baking crumbs (about 1 cup)
- Salted butter, melted (3 tablespoons)
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces, full-fat recommended)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Coffee concentrate or espresso (1 tablespoon or 2 tsp espresso powder dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water)
- Egg (1 large)
- Salt (pinch)
- Sour cream (½ cup)
- All-purpose flour (½ tablespoon)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of each muffin liner to form the crust.
- Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in vanilla, coffee concentrate, and salt until incorporated.
- Add sour cream and flour, mixing until smooth.
- Gently beat in the egg until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly over the crusts, filling nearly to the top.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the centers are just set but slightly jiggly.
- Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: About 2 hours 40 minutes
Variations
- Use graham cracker, digestive, or chocolate chip cookie crusts instead of Oreo
- Add 1 tablespoon of coffee liqueur for an adult twist
- Fold in mini chocolate chips for texture
- Top with whipped cream, cocoa powder, or a coffee bean for presentation
- Make mocha cheesecakes by adding melted dark chocolate to the batter
Storage/Reheating
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze individually (without toppings) and thaw in the refrigerator overnight
- Serve cold; do not reheat—cheesecake texture is best chilled
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, but use a strong instant coffee and dissolve it well for best results.
How do I know when the cheesecakes are done?
They should look set around the edges and jiggle slightly in the center.
Can I make these without a mixer?
A hand whisk can work, but a mixer makes it easier to achieve a smooth texture.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt in equal measure.
Can I make this into a full-sized cheesecake?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time to around 45–55 minutes and use a springform pan.
Do I need to use paper liners?
Yes, they make removal easier and help the cheesecakes hold their shape.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce it slightly, but it may affect the texture and flavor balance.
What’s the best way to press down the crust?
Use the bottom of a small glass or a spoon to press firmly and evenly.
Are these gluten-free?
Not by default—use gluten-free cookies and check all ingredients if you need them to be.
How far ahead can I make them?
You can make them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Mini Coffee Cheesecakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich desserts with a caffeine kick. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a go-to recipe for entertaining or indulging. Whether you top them with whipped cream or keep them simple, these mini desserts deliver big flavor in every bite.
Print
Mini Coffee Cheesecakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Coffee Cheesecakes are rich, creamy bite-sized desserts infused with bold coffee flavor and topped with whipped cream—perfect for coffee lovers and individual servings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
- Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon into each liner. Bake for 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Dissolve instant coffee in hot water and set aside.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup sugar, coffee mixture, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in sour cream.
- Divide batter evenly among crusts. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until centers are set.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate garnish before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality instant coffee or espresso powder for best flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps.
- Cheesecakes can be made a day ahead and stored chilled.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies for crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg