If you’re searching for an irresistibly cute and delightful dessert to brighten up any occasion, look no further than this Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe. These petite treats combine a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake bursting with colorful sprinkles. Perfectly portioned and irresistibly festive, each bite offers a playful crunch, velvety texture, and that unmistakable celebration spark that funfetti brings. Whether it’s a birthday, a casual get-together, or just a reason to indulge, these mini cheesecakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as joyful to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe is in its simplicity — just a handful of pantry staples and a sprinkle of joy come together to create magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the graham crackers provide a crunchy foundation, cream cheese offers that signature richness, and the funfetti sprinkles deliver those joyful pops of color and sweetness throughout the cheesecake.
- 1 ¼ cup graham crackers (ground): This forms the crisp, buttery crust that holds everything together with a hint of sweetness.
- 3 Tbsp sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the crust, balancing the buttery flavor.
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients together and gives a golden finish when baked.
- 2 – 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient for creamy, dreamy cheesecake texture.
- â…” cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and slight tang for depth of flavor and smoothness.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- 2 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake while keeping it tender and rich.
- 1 ½ cup Funfetti sprinkles: Brings festive bursts of color and a bit of crunchy fun in every bite.
- Fresh whipped cream: For topping and adding a luscious, airy contrast.
- Extra Funfetti sprinkles: To sprinkle on top for an extra pop of celebration.
How to Make Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a cupcake or muffin pan with cupcake liners for easy removal later. Then combine the ground graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix them until you achieve a texture like wet sand, which ensures each crust piece will bind perfectly without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Crust
Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into each cupcake liner. Using a flat-bottom glass or measuring cup, press the mixture down evenly to create a firm base. Pop the pan into the oven and bake the crusts for 5 minutes so they set just right, providing a crisp shell for your cheesecake.
Step 3: Cool the Crust
Once baked, take the crusts out and let them cool completely at room temperature. This step is essential to keep the crust firm and prevent it from mixing into your filling when you add it.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Increase your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with sugar until silky smooth and lump-free. Then add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing again until everything is combined perfectly. One at a time, beat in the eggs until you have a creamy cheesecake batter ready for sprinkles.
Step 5: Add the Funfetti Sprinkles
Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of Funfetti sprinkles to your batter. This is the step where the magic happens — each sprinkle adds a delightful burst of color and a hint of crunchy texture that makes this recipe uniquely joyous and festive.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters of the way full with your batter. This will allow enough space for them to rise without overflowing. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Your mini cheesecakes are done when the edges look set, but the centers still have a slight jiggle — that’s the sweet spot for creamy perfection.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely on the counter. Then transfer them to the refrigerator, chilling overnight to set fully and develop their flavor. This step rewards your patience with a rich, creamy texture and that classic cheesecake tang.
Step 8: Add Whipped Cream and Sprinkles
Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with a generous swirl of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra Funfetti. These finishing touches bring the fun factor to its peak and introduce a light contrast to the rich cheesecake beneath.
How to Serve Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh whipped cream and additional Funfetti sprinkles are the most charming garnishes for your mini cheesecakes, enhancing both appearance and taste. Consider adding a fresh raspberry or mint leaf for a gourmet twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these mini cheesecakes with a bright fruit salad for a fresh balance, or serve alongside a rich espresso for an elegant dessert experience. Their festive flair also makes them great next to simple vanilla ice cream or alongside a platter of colorful macarons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, line them on a tiered cake stand to showcase their charm. Alternatively, serve in clear cupcake wrappers to highlight the rainbow sprinkles throughout, or place them on decorative mini plates with matching colorful napkins to make each guest feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mini cheesecakes are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to four days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy hosts or sweet tooth cravings during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save these delights for a longer period, freeze them uncovered for a couple of hours until firm, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They keep well frozen for up to two months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen mini cheesecakes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Because cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy texture. Removing them about 30 minutes before serving allows them to reach perfect softness.
FAQs
Can I use regular sprinkles instead of Funfetti sprinkles?
Absolutely! While Funfetti sprinkles are designed for that classic celebration look and texture, any colorful baking sprinkles will add a fun and festive touch to the cheesecake.
Is it necessary to chill the cheesecakes overnight?
Chilling overnight helps the mini cheesecakes set firmly and develop their full flavor. However, if you’re short on time, at least 4 hours in the refrigerator will work, though overnight is ideal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply switch the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free alternative or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just make sure the butter and other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake tops?
Mix the batter gently to avoid incorporating too much air, and don’t overbake. The slight jiggle in the center when you take them out ensures the cheesecakes stay creamy and crack-free as they cool.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to bake more mini cheesecakes at once. Just make sure you have enough cupcake liners and space in your oven to bake them evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about little desserts with a big personality, and this Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a celebration in every bite and a joy to share with friends and family. So next time you want to add a splash of color and a dollop of creamy delight to your dessert table, give this recipe a try — you’ll fall in love just as I have!
Print
Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Funfetti Cheesecakes are delightful bite-sized treats featuring a buttery graham cracker crust filled with creamy, vanilla-infused cheesecake batter studded with colorful funfetti sprinkles. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, they’re topped with fresh whipped cream and extra sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ¼ cup graham crackers, ground
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 – 8 oz (16 oz total) cream cheese, softened
- â…” cup sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cup Funfetti sprinkles
Topping
- Fresh whipped cream
- Funfetti sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cupcake or muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for the crust.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form Crusts: Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the crust mixture into each cupcake liner. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup.
- Bake Crusts: Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to set them.
- Cool Crusts: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crusts to cool completely to room temperature.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) for baking the cheesecake filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and â…” cup sugar together until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of funfetti sprinkles, distributing them evenly through the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cheesecake batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Bake in the 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature on the counter, then refrigerate overnight to set fully.
- Add Topping: Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with fresh whipped cream and additional funfetti sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these festive mini cheesecakes as a delightful dessert or party treat!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecakes – the slight jiggle in the center indicates they’re perfectly baked and will set as they cool.
- Using cupcake liners makes removal and serving easy, but slightly grease the liners if they are not non-stick.
- Store cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
