These adorable mini cherry cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion. They’re quick, beginner-friendly, and require zero complicated steps. The buttery vanilla wafer crust pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling — and the glossy cherry topping brings the perfect sweet-tart finish. A fun, no-stress treat you can enjoy all by yourself!

Prep Time: 20 minutes + chilling

Bake Time: 15 minutes + cooling

Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes – Easy Bite-Size Dessert with Vanilla Wafer Crust

These easy mini cherry cheesecakes feature a creamy filling, vanilla wafer crust, and glossy cherry topping. A fast, delicious bite-size dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers)
• 3 Tbsp melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

• 1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten

Cherry Topping

• 1 lb canned or frozen pitted tart red cherries
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• Red food coloring (optional)

Mini cherry cheesecakes are adorable, bite-size treats with the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy. Each one starts with a buttery vanilla wafer crust that adds a soft crunch and a warm, nostalgic cookie flavor. On top sits a smooth and velvety cheesecake layer — rich, lightly sweetened, and perfectly silky.

Once baked, each mini cheesecake is crowned with a glossy cherry topping made from plump, ruby-red cherries simmered until thick and vibrant. The bright fruitiness pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake, giving every bite a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.

Served in shiny foil cups or paper liners, they look elegant, festive, and irresistibly cute. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, dessert tables, or anytime you want a quick, impressive homemade sweet.

Instructions

1. Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the crushed vanilla wafers with the melted butter.
3. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of 12 foil-lined muffin cups, making sure it’s firmly packed.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix on low speed until just combined — don’t overmix.
3. Spoon the filling evenly over each crust.

3. Bake

1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the centers are almost set.
2. Let the mini cheesecakes cool completely.

4. Make the Cherry Topping

1. Drain the cherries, reserving ½ cup of the juice.
2. Add the reserved juice to a small saucepan along with the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and optional red food coloring.
3. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened — about 1 minute.
4. Let the mixture cool, then spoon it over each cheesecake.

5. Chill & Serve

Cover the cheesecakes and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition (per mini cheesecake)

• 213 calories
• 12g fat (6g saturated)
• 44mg cholesterol
• 127mg sodium
• 26g carbs (21g sugars, 1g fiber)
• 2g protein

Why You’ll Love It

✔️ Easy, no-fuss recipe

These mini cheesecakes come together quickly with simple ingredients — perfect for beginners or busy bakers.

✔️ Perfect single-serve size

Everyone gets their own adorable cheesecake! No slicing, no mess, just grab and enjoy.

✔️ Creamy + fruity perfection

The silky cheesecake filling paired with the bright, glossy cherry topping hits every craving: tangy, sweet, creamy, and refreshing.

✔️ Foolproof vanilla wafer crust

No complicated crust here — just crushed wafers and butter. It bakes into a soft, buttery base that tastes delicious with the cherry topping.

✔️ Ideal for any occasion

Holidays, parties, bake sales, birthdays, or weeknight cravings — these mini cheesecakes always impress.

✔️ Make-ahead friendly

They chill beautifully, making them perfect to prep the night before and serve cold from the fridge.

✔️ Pretty, picture-perfect dessert

The ruby-red cherries, shiny glaze, and silver foil cups look stunning on dessert tables, photos, and Pinterest boards.