Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full crackers)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Layer
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed graham crackers or ginger snap cookies
- Cinnamon sprinkle or pumpkin pie spice blend
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture has the texture of wet sand.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cups, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a small glass to form a solid crust layer.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake and pumpkin fillings.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to air bubbles that might cause cracking.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture into each muffin cup, spreading it evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Layer
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and flour until smooth and well combined.
- Gently spoon the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake layer in each muffin cup, spreading it to the edges to fully cover the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Bake the mini cheesecakes at 325°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecakes to cool for 10 minutes in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each mini cheesecake for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed graham crackers, or even a ginger snap cookie for added flavor and texture.
- Serve chilled and enjoy these autumnal treats!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes + Chill time: 3 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g