If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s utterly delicious, irresistibly cute, and guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Mini Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe. These bite-sized treats bring together the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the beloved crunch and chocolatey goodness of Oreos, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that’s just begging to be shared with friends and family. Easy to make but delightfully fancy, this recipe is a showstopper for any occasion or whenever you want a little indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these mini treasures requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that creamy, dreamy cheesecake experience with a rich Oreo twist. From the sturdy cookie crust to the luscious filling, every component is essential for texture and flavor balance.
- Oreo Thins (24 pieces): These create a perfectly crisp and chocolatey base for your mini cheesecakes.
- Unsalted butter, melted (42 grams / 3 tablespoons): Helps bind the crust crumbs together while adding richness.
- Pinch of Kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness and brings depth to the Oreo crust.
- Unsalted butter, softened (28 grams / 2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Sugar (132 grams / 2/3 cup): Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the chocolate notes.
- Full-fat cream cheese, softened (454 grams / 16 ounces): The star of the cheesecake, offering that classic velvety tang.
- Full-fat sour cream (152 grams / 2/3 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that lightens the richness.
- Vanilla extract (15 milliliters / 1 tablespoon): Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and help the filling set beautifully.
- Chopped Oreos (60 grams / 1/2 cup): Sprinkle these into the batter for a delightful cookie crunch inside.
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving): Adds a luscious topping to complement each mini cheesecake.
- Mini Oreos (optional, for garnish): Perfect for decorating and adding extra charm.
How to Make Mini Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly greasing a mini cheesecake pan, or simply line a cupcake pan with liners if you prefer. Next, pulse the Oreo Thins in a food processor until you get semi-fine crumbs—about 1.5 cups worth. Combine these crumbs with the melted butter and a pinch of salt, pulsing until the crust mixture resembles a thick dough. Press about 2 tablespoons of this mixture into each cup and bake for 5 to 6 minutes until you smell that toasty chocolate aroma. Set those crusts aside to cool while you whip up the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
Fill a larger pan with a few inches of water to create a warm water bath for later. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until sandy in texture—this helps create a delicate crumbly feel. Add the cream cheese and beat until light and fluffy. Folding in sour cream and vanilla extract next adds both moisture and aromatic notes that make each bite sing. Lastly, incorporate the eggs just until the mixture is combined, and gently fold in the chopped Oreos to scatter delightful cookie chunks throughout the filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, evenly distribute the cheesecake filling over the cooled Oreo crusts, smoothing the top for a neat finish. Place your mini cheesecake pan on the oven’s middle rack, and position the water bath beneath it on a lower rack. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15 to 16 minutes until edges set and centers jiggle just slightly, reminiscent of Jell-O. This ensures a luxuriously creamy interior.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let your mini cheesecakes cool inside for 30 to 60 minutes—this gentle cooling prevents cracking on top. Finally, cover and refrigerate the cheesecakes for 2 to 3 hours until they’re completely set and ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Mini Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your mini Oreo cheesecakes with a dollop of freshly whipped cream that adds a light, airy contrast to the dense filling. Top each one with a mini Oreo for an adorable, Instagram-worthy finish. You can also sprinkle a little cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These mini treats pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream for an indulgent dessert spread. A fresh berry salad provides a bright, tart counterbalance that refreshes the palate between bites of cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the mini cheesecakes on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper or lace doilies to impress guests visually. You might also place each on small treat pedestals or inside mini glass jars for a charming, rustic look that’s perfect for parties or special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover mini Oreo cheesecakes tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Using airtight containers prevents them from absorbing any stray fridge odors and keeps the texture just right.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, freeze the cheesecakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well up to one month; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t typically recommended. However, if you want to warm them slightly, bring to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain their perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a regular cupcake pan instead of a mini cheesecake pan?
Absolutely! Just line your cupcake pan with paper liners, and follow the recipe as usual. The liners will help with easy removal, and the baking time remains the same.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the Oreo crumbs?
No worries! Simply place the Oreo Thins inside a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground—this works just as well for the crust.
Why add sour cream to the cheesecake filling?
Sour cream adds moisture and a tangy richness that balances the sweetness and gives the cheesecake a subtle creaminess that’s absolutely heavenly.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Lower fat versions may result in a less creamy, slightly grainy texture.
How do I prevent cracks on top of my mini cheesecakes?
The slow cooling process inside the oven with the door cracked helps avoid cracks by gradually reducing the temperature. Also, baking in a water bath keeps moisture consistent and prevents overbaking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful Mini Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re all set to create a dessert that’s both charming and delicious. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing a crowd, these little cheesecakes capture the magic of Oreos and creamy cheesecake in every bite. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy the smiles these tasty morsels will bring!
Print
Mini Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Mini Oreo Cheesecakes are a delightful treat featuring a crunchy Oreo crust topped with a creamy, full-fat cream cheese filling studded with chopped Oreos. Baked in a water bath to ensure a smooth, crack-free texture, they make perfect individual desserts for parties or anytime you crave a rich, chocolatey cheesecake bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 Oreo Thins
- 42 grams unsalted butter, melted (3 Tablespoons)
- 1 pinch of Kosher salt
Filling
- 28 grams unsalted butter, softened (2 Tablespoons)
- 132 grams sugar (2/3 cup)
- 454 grams full-fat cream cheese, softened (16 ounces)
- 152 grams full-fat sour cream (2/3 cup)
- 15 milliliters vanilla extract (1 Tablespoon)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 60 grams chopped Oreos (1/2 cup)
For Serving (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Mini Oreos
Instructions
- Cookie Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a mini cheesecake pan with baking spray or line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Pulse the Oreo Thins in a food processor until semi-fine crumbs form (about 1 1/2 cups or 170 grams). Add the melted butter and a pinch of kosher salt, then pulse until the mixture forms a thick dough. Divide the crust evenly among the pans (about 2 tablespoons per mini cheesecake or 1 1/2 tablespoons per cupcake liner). Press the crust firmly into the bottoms of the cups. Bake for 5-6 minutes until toasty and chocolatey. Let cool.
- Prepare Water Bath: Fill an oven-safe pan (such as a cake pan) with a few inches of water and set it aside; this will be used to create a moist baking environment to prevent cracking.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture has a sandy texture, about 1 minute. Add the softened cream cheese and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Add the eggs and beat just until the filling is fully mixed. Gently fold in the chopped Oreos so they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Cheesecakes: Using a #60 cookie scoop or tablespoon, evenly divide the filling over the cooled crusts. Smooth the tops with a butter knife.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Place the mini cheesecake pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Carefully position the pan of water on the rack below the cheesecakes for the water bath. Bake for 15-16 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly jiggly like Jell-O.
- Cool and Chill: After baking, turn off the oven and crack open the door. Let the cheesecakes cool inside the oven for 30-60 minutes to prevent cracking. Then, cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the filling is fully set.
- Serve: Top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a mini Oreo if desired. Enjoy this luscious and creamy dessert!
Notes
- If using a standard cupcake pan instead of a mini cheesecake pan, line with paper liners for easy removal.
- The water bath (placing a pan of water beneath the cheesecakes while baking) helps create steam that prevents cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute full-fat dairy with lower-fat versions, but the texture will be less rich and creamy.
- For easier removal, let cheesecakes chill thoroughly before attempting to remove from the pan.
- Whipped cream and mini Oreos on top are optional but add a lovely finishing touch both in taste and presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
