This is the best Mini Cheesecakes recipe, made with a Nutella crust, topped with chocolate hearts & a chocolate-stuffed raspberry center.
When I originally post this Mini Cheesecake recipe, it was just after we'd made the difficult decision to put down our beloved dog, Jigs. I wrote about how heartbroken we were and that I coped by making dessert.
Mini cheesecakes. A lot of them.
Because cheesecake fixes everything. At least temporarily.
And y' know what? It lifted my spirits. It made life seem just a bit brighter.
I swear that it even lifted Jigs spirits. I mean, c'mon, even a dog would smile at cute little mini cheesecakes with chocolate hearts.
I'm not sure if he sensed that I was upset or if it's all in my crazy head, but I swear he had a spring in his step that hasn't been there for a while. Or maybe I just wanted there to be a spring, was looking for a spring. Either way, I'm pretty sure the old boy could feel some of the sadness was lifted. Just a bit.
They were good.
Notice I used past-tense there?
They were really good. And so stinkin' cute I could hardly stand myself.
I had a new pan and I wanted needed to use it. Then I combined these cute hearts with these cute chocolate-stuffed raspberries and these 3-ingredient Nutella Cookies.
I know. SO awesome.
Note: Don't confuse the pan I use with a mini muffin pan. They're similar but you want one with removable bottoms. This mini cheesecake recipe could technically be made with a mini muffin pan, but removing them is difficult.
So first...the crust.
I crushed enough of those Nutella Cookies to make about a cup of crumbs. Mixed in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and added a heaping teaspoon to each well.
Next, I tamped each one down with the greatest tool ever created. Also known as a tart tamper (but it has so many other uses - like forming cheesecake crusts).
The next steps are been there, done that steps...mix together your filling, pour into pan, bake.
How do you know when they're done?
The best way is to gently touch the top. If it feels firm with a little give, it's time to pull them out of the oven. If it's soft or you can feel batter versus a firmer texture, then give them a couple more minutes and check again.
How long will they last in the fridge?
These will last up to a week in the refrigerator. Keep them wrapped with plastic wrap for best results.
Can you freeze these mini cheesecakes?
Yes, you can freeze them, too! I wrap them individually once they're frozen, then I pop them in a freezer bag. You'll want to skip the chocolate heart toppers until just before serving. These will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer, but for the best texture, eat them within 3 months.
If you want to put chocolate-stuffed-raspberries in the center as I did - and who are we kidding, of course, you want to - add half of your batter, drop in a raspberry, and fill the rest of the way. It's easy to do and it's worth the surprise when someone bites into them!
While they're baking, you can make your chocolate heart toppers. Be sure to sprinkle on cute Valentine's sprinkles - or St. Patty's Day, or Fourth of July, or Halloween, etc. - all over the chocolate before it hardens. Do this quickly because the hearts aren't going to wait all day.
They're chocolate. They can do what they want.
Once they're cooled, push them up from the bottom to remove from pan. Don't follow the directions that come with the box - if you use a knife to help them release, they won't look all smooth and pretty.
Set them on parchment paper (or foil very lightly sprayed with oil). Drizzle chocolate over them. Use these disposable bags because they are awesome and are microwavable which means you can melt the chocolate right in the bag.
Place one of your cuter-than-cute chocolate hearts on your fabulous mini cheesecakes.
Call everyone in your family to gather around your works of art and demand that they swoon appropriately.
Eat. And feel better.
Then take the rest to your neighbor so that they feel better, too.
Repeat as many times as necessary.
More scrumptious dessert recipes:
- Easy Christmas Cookies with Holiday Pretzels
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
- Coconut Rum Balls
- Chocolate Truffles
- Peppermint Bark Recipe
- Easy Chocolate Fudge
Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Stuffed Raspberries
The little cheesecakes are SO delicious and super simple to make!
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed Nutella Cookies, or chocolate wafers
- 2 T butter, melted
- 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla extract
- 12 raspberries, stuffed with chocolate chips (white or dark)
- melted chocolate for hearts and drizzling over cheesecakes, preferably different colors for contrast, but use whatever you’ve got
- sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease mini-cheesecake pan.
- Mix together crushed cookies and melted butter (I just use a ziploc baggie and smush it around until it's mixed thoroughly).
- Place a heaping teaspoon of cookie mixture (more or less, depending on how much you like crust) in each cheesecake well. Press down with tamper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until well mixed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy.
- Fill wells ½ full and add one raspberry to each well. Fill with the rest of the batter. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Cool.
- Meanwhile, pipe chocolate hearts onto parchment paper or lightly greased tinfoil. Work quickly and add sprinkles before chocolate hardens to ensure they stick well. Allow to harden.
- Push each cheesecake out of its well from the bottom. With a thin spatula, remove each cheesecake from the bottom plate and place on parchment paper or lightly greased tinfoil. Drizzle with melted chocolate and place a chocolate heart on each cheesecake.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 244mgCarbohydrates: 30gNet Carbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 5g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Liz says
Oh my goodness, you had me at "Nutella crust" haha. These look amazing!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks so much, Liz!
Lisa says
The hardest choice was made....I had to decide to let my horse go...the hardest choice to make. 🙁 HUGS
I have a question about the cheesecakes? How do you know when they are done? I baked as long as stated, but when I tested them the toothpick came out runny....Do they continue to bake when they are out of the oven? Or do they set up when cold? I don't want to overbake...I love cheesecakes...I just don't understand how long to bake and when to tell they are done. I have the same pans....Thank you.
the wicked noodle says
They won't continue to bake for long out of the oven. Cheesecakes can be tricky, you want them thisclose to being set but not quite, otherwise they can be overdone. You definitely don't want them runny though, so I would leave them in just until the center just barely jiggles (or do the toothpick test since it's much easier). Hope that helped!
Rebecca says
May be a silly question; however, your instructions state to pop these out of the pan from the bottom. With traditional metal muffin pans, that's not possible. What kind of pan did you use?
the wicked noodle says
I used the cheesecake pan that I linked to in the article. It has a removable bottom.
Wendy says
I DO understand. We had to let our beloved 16+ (!) year old golden go last month and it has left a hole in our hearts and our lives. BUT it was time. I struggled for a year, debating quality of life issues. I didn't want to feel like I was giving up on him, when he had always been there for us. In the end what helped me make the decision was an article by a vet who said," If your pet is going downhill fast, what are you waiting for? Do you want him to hit bottom?" And I obviously didn't want to see our sweet puppy in pain. I always promised him that I would take care of him. In the end, it was my job to do that. My heart is with you and your family. Give Jigs a hug from me 🙂
Summer says
Do you cool by putting them in the refrigerator? And if so, for how long! Thanks!
the wicked noodle says
I usually just leave them on the counter but you could put them in the fridge, too. Just long enough until they're firmed up, I'd guess about 30 minutes in the fridge.
Shannon Sachvie says
Very nice recipe! Looks so good! This would cheer me up on the worst day ever. In regards to Jigs, what ever you do, do NOT watch Marley and Me.
Carlos Mencia says
I moved to New Jersey from Honduras. 2 weeks days after I left Honduras, I got a call from my parents that the dog I had for 17 years died. I always felt guilty that it was because I left. It is the saddest thing when dogs get sick or die. Cheer up my friend. Cheesecake looks delicious.
Glynis Latosky says
Poor puppy! 🙁 You're right though, cheesecake does fix everything. My prayers are with you and Jigs. </3
love_yr_coffee says
I have a sweet tooth, and I also love coffee. This would pair up deliciously with a nice warm cup of java! Thanks for sharing! I always look forward to reading your posts and getting new recipe ideas.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much! Coffee did go very nicely with these.
TheDeliClerk says
Aww my wife LOVES cheesecake! I think I should try making this for her! 😉
the wicked noodle says
You should - I think she deserves them 😉
Vivian says
These are just amazing! They would have been perfect for Valentine's Day but I think I will bake them again for my 1 year anniversary coming up 😉
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Vivian! Our anniversary is the day after V-Day so I really made them for both 🙂 Congrats on your 1st anniversary!
parenting articles says
that looks so delicious and cute too!
Jayne says
We too have a dog that we have had for a long time. Poor thing has something growing on her side. We thought it was a tumor, but with as big as it is she would probably be dead. We think it is an infection. I would love to take her to the vet, but money is just too tight now. I feel for her. She is so sweet and I just can't let go of her yet.
Your cheese cakes are too cute and look delicious!
the wicked noodle says
I'm so sorry to hear that. But she must really be suffering if it is an infection; I know just a sinus infection makes me miserable. Maybe there's a low cost clinic nearby? You could always just call a vet and ask what their options are.
I'm glad you like the cheesecakes! 🙂
Charity says
And I'm so sorry about your dog. I had to let go of my golden retriever, Carter, who also lived with me in numerous NYC apartments before coming all the way to Rome with us. Bless your heart. It'll get better.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Charity, what a sweet comment. I love Golden Retrievers; we have to have short-haired dogs because of my husband's allergies otherwise I'd have one. And now I'm off to check out your blog, too! xo
Charity says
Hi! New to your blog and already loving it. These are definitely the cutest mini cheesecakes ever, I'm sure they're just as delicious.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
What a sweet dog, I'm so sorry to hear how sick he's been. That just breaks my heart for both of you.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Sylvie. I really appreciate that. xo
Sanjeeta kk says
Cheesecake fixes all..you are absolutely right, Kristy! I have a dog and at times when we wish to go out its hard to leave him behind in someones hand. Love the pictures and that cute little heart over it!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Sanjeeta! xo
Jenny @ BAKE says
I am so sorry to hear about your dog, I can't even imagine what it must be like. Not that it really matters in comparison, but your photography is stunning and the cheesecakes look beautiful and delicious.
the wicked noodle says
Jenny, It does matter, and thank you for that. My last post actually talked about my struggles with photography so hearing that put a big smile on my face. Thanks for the kind words about Jigs and for taking the time to comment. Means more than you know! HUGS!
vianney says
I have been cruising your blog (love it) in my google reader reviewing old posts. So sorry to hear about Jigs, we are in process of adopting two pups for our 2girls and they are so excited. sending you hugs!
the wicked noodle says
Hi vianney, So exciting about your pups! That's so cute; I'm sure your girls will have so much fun with them. I'm so glad you found your way here. I'm off to check out your site now!
Leslie Green says
Ahhhh, poor Jigs. Sad when we have to make decisions about our family members lives. So sad. I had to put my cat to sleep last year after getting hit by a car and breaking his back..and we only had him a year, so I can't imagine having an animal that long and having to make that decision.
🙁
The cheesecakes would definitely be a temporary fix
the wicked noodle says
Poor kitty! I had a cat once that I raised from two weeks old. Her mother had abandoned her and I had to bottle-feed her. She, too, was hit by a car although she died right away. It was already a terrible time in my life and that just made it so much worse. Amazing how attached we can get to our animals.
Andrea Meyers says
So sorry about Jigs, it's hard, so hard to make that decision. If you anything, let me know. And yes, cheesecake was definitely called for.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, A. I think we're okay for now but I'll probably hit you up for a girls night out when the time comes. xoxoxo
Raquel says
I've been through this with a cat I had for almost 18 yrs. It was the 2nd hardest thing I've ever done. The hardest was losing my mom. But he'll let you know when it's time. I know it's hard, and I wish you must love and more memories while he's still around.
the wicked noodle says
Thank you so much, Raquel. I can't even think about losing my mom...that would be cheesecakes, trifles, 12 different batches of cookies and a whole bunch of creme brulee...and it still wouldn't be enough.
Amy says
2 of my dear friends have had to put their dogs down just in the last 3 weeks. It's been awful. Beyond awful. You know I have two Beagles...my first babies. Going on 13 now. They don't see as well, hear as well, smell as well (that's huge for a Beagle.) It's completely depressing and I will surely need to be committed when that dreadful day comes to make the painful decision. Now I need mini cheesecakes.
the wicked noodle says
{tears streaming} I know. And you also know I love ya'. Well, maybe you didn't know that, but I do. I'm sorry to hear about your babies. Here's hoping some cheesecake helps. xoxoxo