Years ago, my family ditched pumpkin pie in favor of pumpkin cheesecake. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes offer that creamy autumn sweetness in a cute, individual package.

As I divulged when sharing this Pumpkin Pecan Pie recipe, regular Libby’s pumpkin pie just doesn’t do it for me.

I want to like it, but it just seems…bland. Give me Sweet Potato Pie any day!

Fortunately, my family agrees which is why we long ago saw the light and switched to the most decadent pumpkin cheesecake (the original recipe is from Southern Living).

I adore that cheesecake but it is…a lot.

Easy mini pumpkin cheesecakes on a plate

A lot to make. A lot to eat. And a lot to digest, especially if you’ve just finished an enormous meal.

Thus enter mini pumpkin cheesecakes!

Not only are these cuties a BREEZE to make compared to classic pumpkin cheesecake (they don’t need a water bath or hours of baking and careful cooling), the lighter ingredient list and built-in portion control are qualities I appreciate more and more as this season of delicious excess goes on.

A black plate with mini pumpkin cheesecakes with whipped cream

5 Star Review

“I tried this recipe, it was outstanding. All the ingredients mentioned tasted like charm.”

— Michelle —

How to Make Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

While these mini pumpkin cheesecakes are healthy compared to our Thanksgiving original, they are still satisfyingly rich and creamy (this IS the holidays after all!).

I also kept one of my favorite qualities of Mom’s cheesecake—the gingersnap crust.

Its spiciness enhances and the pumpkin and baking spices. I bet it will be your favorite pumpkin crust from now on too!
In the name of ease, we’re skipping crushing cookies and painstakingly lining the muffin cups.
Instead, just pop a store-bought gingersnap cookie into the bottom of each muffin liner, then add the pumpkin filling on top.

A plate of mini pumpkin cheesecakes with whipped cream and pecans

The Ingredients

Gingersnap Cookies. A simple and scrumptious gingersnap cookie acts like a crust for these mini cheesecakes. The flavor pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin too.
Pumpkin. This recipe uses just the right amount of pumpkin. You can taste the pumpkin, but it doesn’t overpower the cheesecake.
Cream Cheese. Puts the cheese in cheesecake. It’s rich, creamy, and decadent. I use low fat to keep things on the lighter side.
Sugar. For the perfect amount of sweetness.
Eggs. A key ingredient for the ideal pumpkin cheesecake texture.
Greek Yogurt. I love using Greek yogurt as a healthy swap for sour cream. It’s protein-packed and provides the same tangy flavor and creaminess.
Spices. Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon perfectly complement the pumpkin and gingersnap cookie.
Vanilla. Elevates the other flavors and adds delicious coziness.
Orange Zest. Bright and citrusy.

The Directions

Gingersnaps in the wells of a muffin tin

Place gingersnaps in paper liners in a muffin tin.

Beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the sugar. Slowly beat in the eggs.

Pumpkin cheesecake batter in a mixing bowl

Add the remaining cheesecake ingredients.

Transfer the batter to the wells of a muffin tin. Bake the mini cheesecakes at 375 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes.

Mini pumpkin cheesecakes with gingersnap crust in wrappers

Let cool completely, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill.
Top each cheesecake with whipped cream, pecans, and crushed gingersnaps. DIG IN!

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate cheesecakes in an airtight storage container for up to 1 week.
To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Meal Prep Tip

Up to 1 day in advance, prepare the pumpkin cheesecake batter. Cover and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish the recipe.

A white plate with a mini pumpkin cheesecake

What to Serve with Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Crockpot Hot Chocolate

2 hrs 5 mins

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Muffins

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

45 mins

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Muffin Pan. This one comes with a lid so you can easily transport your goodies.
Stand Mixer. A must-have for anyone who loves to bake.
Ice Cream Scoop. My favorite way to transfer batter to a muffin pan.

The Best Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is a fantastic way to mix, whip, and knead. This one comes in so many fun colors!

Get on AMazon

Mini pumpkin cheesecakes with gingersnaps

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought!

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

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Ta-da! This is mini dessert magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make Gluten Free Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes?

For gluten free mini pumpkin cheesecakes, use gluten free gingersnaps.

Can I Add a Caramel Drizzle?

Yes, you can add a caramel drizzle to these cheesecakes (it sounds delish!). Try my Vegan Caramel Sauce recipe drizzled over the top.

Can I Use Regular Cream Cheese?

While I prefer to lighten things up with reduced fat cream cheese, you can use regular cream cheese if you prefer.

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

These creamy mini pumpkin cheesecakes have an easy gingersnap cookie crust, healthy Greek yogurt filling, and bake in just 20 minutes!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Chill Time 5 hours

Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes

Servings cheesecakes

Calories 124kcal

Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Ingredients

24 gingersnap cookies plus additional crushed for garnish
20 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs at room temperature
3/4 cup pumpkin puree NOT pumpkin pie filling; I recommend Libby’s or Trader Joe’s, which are on the thicker side
3/4 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon orange zest
Chopped toasted pecans for serving

Instructions

Place racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line two standard-sized 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners and place 1 gingersnap in the bottom of each.
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, then beat in the sugar for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the mixture looks smooth and shiny.
Scrape down the bowl, then beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, being sure to fully incorporate between each. Scrape down the bowl again as needed.
Beat in the pumpkin, Greek yogurt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and orange zest, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed.
With an ice cream or cookie scoop or a small ladle, fill each muffin cup nearly to the top with batter, dividing it evenly between the 24 cups (the cheesecakes will settle as they cool).
Bake the mini cheesecakes for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the pans 180 degrees and switching their positions on the upper/lower racks halfway through. When the pan is wiggled, they should move slightly in the very center (like Jello, not like a wave). The edges of the cheesecakes should appear dry and set and not move when you wiggle the pan.
Place the pans on a wire rack and let cheesecakes cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Gently transfer them to a plate or storage container. Refrigerate for 4 hours (uncovered) or overnight (covered) to set.
When ready to serve, top each cheesecake with whipped cream, pecans, and a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps.

Notes

TO STORE: Refrigerate cheesecakes in an airtight storage container for up to 1 week.
TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.