Easy Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecake

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Peanut butter lovers, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes. These bite-sized treats are everything you could want in a cheesecake—creamy, rich, and decadently peanut buttery—wrapped up in an adorable, single-serve portion. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert for a party or just need a sweet fix that doesn’t require a fork and knife, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

What makes mini cheesecakes so appealing is their versatility. You can whip up a batch in under an hour and chill them until you’re ready to impress your guests. They’re perfect for potlucks, birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy weekend in with your family. And since they’re individually portioned, they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat.

Peanut butter and cheesecake is a match made in dessert heaven. The creamy nuttiness of peanut butter blends perfectly with the tangy richness of cream cheese, resulting in a flavor combo that’s irresistibly indulgent. Plus, this version skips the fuss of a water bath or complicated crust—just a simple graham cracker base that complements the filling beautifully.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by making cheesecake, this is a great recipe to start with. It’s nearly foolproof, thanks to the use of a muffin tin and straightforward ingredients. No springform pan, no cracking worries, and no waiting hours for a large cheesecake to cool and set. These little gems are ready faster and are way less stressful to make.

You can also customize this recipe easily. Swap the graham crackers for chocolate cookies, top with melted chocolate, or add crushed peanuts for extra crunch. They’re great for making ahead, and you can freeze them, too—just thaw before serving and you’re good to go.

Another reason to love these mini cheesecakes? Portion control. Instead of a massive slice that tempts you to go back for seconds (or thirds), you get a manageable treat that satisfies your cravings without overindulgence. Of course, no judgment if you go for a second (or third) mini cheesecake.

The texture is smooth and creamy with just the right amount of firmness. The peanut butter doesn’t overpower the cheesecake but rather enhances it, creating a beautifully balanced dessert that hits all the right notes. The graham cracker crust adds a subtle crunch and slight sweetness that complements the filling perfectly.

These cheesecakes also make a stunning presentation. Once topped with whipped cream, a drizzle of peanut butter or chocolate sauce, and maybe a few chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips, they look like something straight out of a gourmet bakery.

Kids love them, adults adore them, and they can be adjusted for nearly any occasion. Want to make them more elegant for a dinner party? Use cupcake liners in metallic colors and top with fancy garnishes. Need a quick dessert for game night? Keep it simple with just a dollop of whipped cream.

They’re also a great way to use up leftover peanut butter in your pantry. We all have that half-empty jar just waiting to be transformed into something delicious. And trust us—this is the most delicious thing you could possibly make with it.

If you’re someone who enjoys meal prep or batch baking, this recipe fits right in. Make a batch over the weekend, store them in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have a grab-and-go dessert ready whenever a craving hits. No mess, no fuss, just pure peanut butter bliss.

And let’s not forget the nostalgic factor. There’s something incredibly comforting about peanut butter. It reminds many of childhood snacks and simpler times, and combining that with the indulgence of cheesecake is a true treat for the soul.

These mini cheesecakes are also a great way to introduce kids to baking. They’re simple enough for little hands to help with, and the results are always impressive. Plus, they’ll love decorating their own individual cheesecake.

So if you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are exactly what you need. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.

Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes

Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp sour cream

Optional toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Drizzle of peanut butter or melted chocolate
• Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a small bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Divide the crust mixture evenly among the cupcake liners and press down firmly.
4. Bake crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing filling.
5. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
6. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Beat until well combined and creamy.
7. Divide filling evenly among the muffin cups, smoothing the tops.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until centers are set.
9. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
11. Top with whipped cream, drizzle, and chopped peanuts or chocolate chips, if desired.

Tips

• Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Don’t overbake—cheesecakes should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
• Let them chill completely to ensure they set properly.
• Use a cookie scoop to evenly portion the crust and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini cheesecakes offer a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in every bite. The peanut butter adds a rich, comforting taste, while the mini size makes them great for parties, snacks, or meal prep. They’re easy to make, quick to chill, and versatile enough to adapt to any topping or flavor preference. With minimal equipment and prep time, they’re ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Summary

Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are the ultimate small-but-mighty dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious, peanut buttery cheesecake filling, they’re perfect for entertaining, gifting, or indulging at home. These no-fuss treats are rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible.