The Easter Mini Cheesecake Cups are everything you love about spring: bright colors, sweet flavors, and festive charm in a bite-sized form. With a buttery graham cracker base and a smooth, tangy cheesecake filling dotted with crushed chocolate eggs, these cups are a pastel dream for dessert lovers. What makes them really shine is the topping—a trio of candy-coated chocolate eggs nestled into a sprinkle of golden toasted coconut. Whether you’re planning a cheerful Easter brunch or a fun baking activity with kids, these mini cheesecakes bring celebration to every table with no need for slicing or serving stress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
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5–6 candy-coated chocolate eggs, crushed
For the Topping:
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½ cup toasted coconut flakes
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1 cup candy-coated chocolate eggs
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl until fully combined.
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Spoon 1 tablespoon of crust mixture into each muffin liner and press firmly into the base.
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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
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Add vanilla extract, then beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
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Mix in sour cream until the filling is smooth.
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Crush 5–6 candy-coated eggs using a rolling pin or your hands. Gently fold the crushed eggs into the filling.
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Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each muffin cup, filling nearly to the top.
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Place an oven-safe dish with hot water on the lower rack to create a steam bath.
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Bake for 22–24 minutes, until centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
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Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Before serving, top each mini cheesecake with toasted coconut and 3 whole candy-coated chocolate eggs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
The Ultimate Spring Treat: Easter Mini Cheesecake Cups
There’s something undeniably joyful about springtime. The flowers bloom, the air warms up, and families gather to celebrate Easter and other seasonal events. And what better way to sweeten up those moments than with Easter Mini Cheesecake Cups? These bite-sized treats are not only beautiful and festive—they’re the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness.
Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, filling your dessert table, or looking for a fun and creative baking project with the kids, these mini cheesecakes are your new go-to. Let’s dive into why they’re so beloved and why this recipe is simply the best.
A Fun and Festive Dessert with History
Cheesecake has a long and rich culinary history, dating back to Ancient Greece where it was often served during celebrations. Fast forward to modern times, and cheesecake has become a staple dessert in cultures around the world, often adapted with local ingredients and traditions.
Our Easter Mini Cheesecake Cups take the traditional cheesecake and give it a fresh, seasonal twist. Inspired by the joyful palette of Easter—with its pastel colors, candy eggs, and family traditions—this recipe blends nostalgia with modern convenience. The individual servings make them easy to serve, transport, and decorate—perfect for springtime events.Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It!)
1. Perfect Individual Portions
Unlike a large cheesecake that requires slicing and plating, these mini cheesecake cups are pre-portioned and easy to grab. No fuss, no mess. They’re ideal for potlucks, school parties, or brunch buffets.
2. Festive & Instagram-Worthy
Decorated with candy-coated chocolate eggs and toasted coconut, they scream Easter in the most delicious way. You can even customize each one with different toppings or candy for a colorful display.
3. Kid-Friendly & Fun to Make
Kids can join in on the fun—from crushing graham crackers to decorating with eggs. This makes it a wonderful activity to involve little ones and make special memories together.
4. Creamy Texture, Crunchy Base
The filling is incredibly smooth, thanks to cream cheese, sour cream, and the right baking technique. Paired with the buttery graham cracker crust and the slight crunch of candy, it’s textural heaven in every bite.
5. Customizable for All Diets
Need a gluten-free version? Simply use gluten-free graham crackers. Want a richer chocolate version? Add cocoa to the crust or chocolate chips to the batter. This recipe is incredibly flexible.
Key Ingredients & Their Role
- Graham Cracker Crust: Adds crunch and a warm, slightly sweet base.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
- Sour Cream: Balances the sweetness with a light tang and enhances creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Candy-Coated Chocolate Eggs: Bring festive flair and a pop of color and texture.
- Toasted Coconut: Offers a tropical twist and a light, crisp topping.
Tips for the BEST Mini Cheesecake Cups
✓ Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit out for 30–60 minutes before mixing. This helps create a lump-free filling.
✓ Don’t Overmix
Mix the batter until smooth, but avoid overmixing once the eggs are in. Too much air can lead to cracks during baking.
✓ Add a Steam Bath
Place a dish of hot water in the oven to maintain a moist baking environment. It’s the secret to a crack-free cheesecake.
✓ Chill Before Serving
After baking, cool the cheesecakes to room temp and refrigerate for at least two hours (overnight is best). This helps them set and intensifies the flavor.
✓ Decorate Right Before Serving
This keeps the candy-coated eggs and coconut fresh and crunchy. If prepping ahead, add toppings just before presentation.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are actually better when made in advance. Chill overnight for best texture and top just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze without toppings, individually wrapped. Thaw in the fridge and top before serving. They’ll taste just as fresh.
What if I don’t have candy eggs?
No problem! Use chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or any festive candy you like. Even fresh fruit works well.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes! Try crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or even a nut-based crust for variety.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Cheesecake Base: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate version.
- Fruit Topping: Add a spoonful of raspberry or lemon curd before topping with candy.
- Nut Crust: Use almond flour or crushed pecans for a gluten-free twist.
- Carrot Cake Swirl: Mix a bit of carrot puree and spices into half the batter and swirl before baking!
A Personal Note on These Little Beauties
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made them—it was a rainy spring afternoon, and I wanted something colorful and comforting to bring to a friend’s Easter brunch. I didn’t expect them to be such a hit. People couldn’t stop asking for the recipe, and I even caught a few sneaking a second (or third) one from the dessert table.
That’s when I knew I had something special—something worth sharing beyond my own kitchen. I hope these mini cheesecakes bring that same joy and wow factor to your table.
Hosting Tips: When & Where to Serve These
- Easter Sunday Brunch: Serve alongside coffee, fruit, and pastries for a complete spring spread.
- Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt: Set up a mini dessert table with these cheesecakes as a “prize” for the grown-ups!
- Spring Baby Showers or Bridal Teas: They’re delicate, dainty, and perfect for elegant events.
- Bake Sale Favorite: These sell out fast—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Why These Mini Cheesecakes Belong on Your Easter Table
These Easter Mini Cheesecake Cups check every box: they’re festive, easy to make, crowd-friendly, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, they capture the essence of spring in each delightful bite.
They’re more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavor, fun, and togetherness.
So go ahead—preheat that oven, grab your muffin tin, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as joyful and colorful as the season itself.