No Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these easy and delicious No-Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes! Combining the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm spices of pumpkin, this recipe offers a delightful dessert without the need for an oven. These mini cheesecakes are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your autumnal cravings.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecake Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: No need to bake, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your treats!
  2. Perfect Portion Control: The mini size is great for individual servings, making them ideal for parties or family gatherings.
  3. Fall Flavors: With pumpkin puree and warm spices, these cheesecakes capture the essence of fall in every bite.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly: These mini cheesecakes need some time to set, which means you can prepare them in advance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event or meal.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-10 crackers)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 4 tbsp melted butter

Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup whipped topping (or heavy cream, whipped)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt

Topping (optional)

  • Whipped cream
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Crushed graham cracker crumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
  2. Add the melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press about a tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each mini cheesecake mold or muffin liner, creating an even layer. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  3. Gently fold in the whipped topping, incorporating it until the filling is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecakes

  1. Spoon the pumpkin cheesecake filling on top of the crust in each mold or liner, filling each to the top.
  2. Smooth the tops and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Carefully remove the cheesecakes from their molds.
  2. Garnish each cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and a few graham cracker crumbs, if desired.
See also  Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad

Tips for the Best No-Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes

  • Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps achieve a smooth texture in your cheesecake filling.
  • Chill Long Enough: To achieve the perfect no-bake texture, let the cheesecakes chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Graham Cracker Substitution: Try gingersnap cookies for a more intense fall flavor in your crust.

Serving and Storage Tips for No-Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes

Serving Tips

  1. Chilled is Best: Serve these cheesecakes cold, straight from the fridge, for the creamiest texture.
  2. Add Toppings Just Before Serving: For the freshest presentation, add whipped cream, cinnamon, or graham cracker crumbs right before serving. This keeps the whipped cream firm and the crumbs crisp.
  3. Use Decorative Liners: If you’re using muffin liners, try decorative fall-themed ones to make them even more festive and seasonally appropriate.
  4. Small Plates and Spoons: Serve on small plates with small dessert spoons to highlight the mini size and make them easy to enjoy.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigerator Storage: Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers if stacking.
  2. Freezer-Friendly Option: For longer storage, freeze the cheesecakes in a single layer until firm. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  3. Thawing Frozen Cheesecakes: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture.
  4. Avoid Room Temperature Storage: Since these are dairy-based, avoid keeping them at room temperature for more than an hour to ensure freshness and food safety.

  1. Can I make these mini cheesecakes in advance?
    Yes! No-bake pumpkin mini cheesecakes are great for making ahead. They need at least 3 hours to set in the refrigerator, and you can make them up to two days in advance. Just add any toppings (like whipped cream or cinnamon) right before serving to keep them fresh.
  2. What’s the best way to remove them from the molds?
    If you’re using a silicone mold, gently press from the bottom to pop the cheesecakes out. For muffin liners, simply peel them off. If the cheesecakes are very cold and sticking, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
  3. Can I use a different crust, like Oreo or gingerbread?
    Absolutely! Oreo or gingersnap cookies make great crust alternatives. Simply crush them, mix with melted butter, and press into the molds as you would with graham crackers. These variations add a unique twist to complement the pumpkin flavor.
  4. How do I prevent lumps in the cheesecake filling?
    Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat it on its own first to make it smooth, then gradually add other ingredients. This will help prevent lumps and give the cheesecake a creamy, even texture.
See also  Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche Recipe
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No Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes

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No Bake Pumpkin Mini Cheesecakes

Description

These mini no-bake pumpkin cheesecakes are a delightful, creamy dessert perfect for fall. With a spiced cookie crust and a rich pumpkin cheesecake filling, they’re easy to make, requiring no oven time. Ideal for parties or a cozy evening treat!

  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker or gingersnap crumbs
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 5 ½ tbsp melted unsalted butter

For the Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Instructions

  • Prepare the crust:
    • Mix the crumbs and brown sugar in a bowl.
    • Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
    • Press about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture into lined muffin cups, creating a compact layer. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
  • Make the filling:
    • Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin purée, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, spices, and salt, mixing until well combined.
    • Gently fold in whipped cream to maintain a light, airy texture.
  • Assemble:
    • Spoon or pipe the filling onto the prepared crusts. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
    • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until set.
  • Serve:
    • Top with whipped cream, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of caramel as desired.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies for the crust.
  • Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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