INTRODUCTION
Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes are special and tasty treats that combine the rich flavor of cheesecakes with the fun of cookies. They are great for fall celebrations, Halloween parties, or just when you want something sweet. These mini cheesecakes are easy to make and are sure to impress family and friends.
This recipe uses Oreo cookies to create a delicious crust and is filled with a smooth pumpkin cheesecake mixture. Topping it off with whipped cream and extra crumbles of Oreo makes them even yummier. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and lets you enjoy the flavors of fall.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes. First, the combination of pumpkin and Oreo is amazing. Pumpkin brings warmth and spice, while Oreo adds a rich chocolatey flavor. Together, they create a delightful contrast that is hard to resist.
Second, these mini cheesecakes are the perfect size for a snack or dessert. Individual servings make them easy to share at parties or just enjoy at home.
Third, they are not too complicated to make. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making this recipe great for bakers of any skill level. Plus, you don’t need fancy equipment. A mixer and a muffin pan are all you need!
Lastly, the look of these cheesecakes is lovely. The creamy filling sitting on the dark, crumbly crust makes them look professional. With a bit of whipped cream and Oreo crumbles on top, they become even more attractive.
HOW TO MAKE Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes
Ingredients:
- 18 Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (plus more for crumbled garnish (optional))
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus more for garnish (optional))
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade, for topping (optional))
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan(s) with 12 cupcake liners. Set pan(s) aside.
- Using a food processor (or ZipLoc bag + meat tenderizer), crush Oreo cookies until they become a fine crumb.
- Add crumbled Oreos to a medium bowl, then pour melted butter on top. Use a fork to mix and mash until the butter is absorbed. Set the bowl aside.
- Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), whip together cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-4 minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and blend in pumpkin puree, egg, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy, about another 2-4 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer.
- Scoop up about 1 heaping tablespoon of Oreo crust, then pour it into one of the cavities in the prepared muffin tin. Press down firmly to create a solid, even layer of Oreo crust. Repeat this step until all of the Oreo crust has been used.
- Scoop up about 3-4 tablespoons of pumpkin cheesecake and pour it over the Oreo crust in one of the cavities, gently leveling out the top. Repeat this step until all of the pumpkin cheesecake has been used.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges appear set (a slightly darker color).
- Allow cheesecakes to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer mini cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. If desired, decorate mini pumpkin Oreo cheesecakes with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, and more crumbled Oreo cookies.
- Serve as desired.
HOW TO SERVE Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes
Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes are best served after chilling in the refrigerator. This gives them the right texture and makes them more refreshing. You can serve them plain or garnish them with whipped cream and extra crumbled Oreo cookies.
If you want, you can also sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flavor. These cheesecakes make a lovely dessert at gatherings, and they also work well as a snack during the day.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes
Storing Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes is easy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze them, you can do that too. Wrap each cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
These Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes are wonderful on their own, but you can also serve them with various items to enhance your dessert experience. Some great serving suggestions include:
- A dollop of whipped cream on top
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch
You can also serve them with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or apple cider to complement the pumpkin flavor.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to vary this recipe based on your taste preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Different Cookies: Instead of Oreos, you can use other cookies like graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies for the crust.
- Cheesecake Flavors: Try adding different flavors like maple extract or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling for a twist.
- Add Mix-Ins: Include chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or dried fruit in the cheesecake mix for added texture and flavor.
- Top with Different Frosting: Experiment with different kinds of frosting or glazes on top of the cheesecakes for variety.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cheesecakes.
2. How do I know when the cheesecakes are done baking?
The edges should look set and slightly darker in color. The centers can still be a bit soft; they will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make these cheesecakes gluten-free?
Yes! You can find gluten-free Oreo cookies to use for the crust or any other gluten-free cookie alternative.
4. How long do these mini cheesecakes last?
They will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If frozen, they can last for up to 2 months.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes
If you want to make these Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes ahead of time, follow these tips:
- You can prepare the crust and filling a day before you want to bake them. Store the crust in the fridge and blend the filling when ready to bake.
- Bake and cool the cheesecakes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. They will taste even better the next day after chilling.
- You can also decorate them with whipped cream and toppings just before serving for the freshest look.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes without the rush!
PrintMini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes
Delicious mini cheesecakes that combine pumpkin and Oreo cookies, perfect for fall celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 18 Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (plus more for crumbled garnish, optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade, for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan(s) with 12 cupcake liners. Set pan(s) aside.
- Using a food processor (or ZipLoc bag + meat tenderizer), crush Oreo cookies until they become a fine crumb.
- Add crumbled Oreos to a medium bowl, then pour melted butter on top. Use a fork to mix and mash until the butter is absorbed. Set the bowl aside.
- Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), whip together cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-4 minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and blend in pumpkin puree, egg, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy, about another 2-4 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer.
- Scoop up about 1 heaping tablespoon of Oreo crust, then pour it into one of the cavities in the prepared muffin tin. Press down firmly to create a solid, even layer of Oreo crust. Repeat this step until all of the Oreo crust has been used.
- Scoop up about 3-4 tablespoons of pumpkin cheesecake and pour it over the Oreo crust in one of the cavities, gently leveling out the top. Repeat this step until all of the pumpkin cheesecake has been used.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges appear set (a slightly darker color).
- Allow cheesecakes to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer mini cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. If desired, decorate mini pumpkin Oreo cheesecakes with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, and more crumbled Oreo cookies.
- Serve as desired.
Notes
These cheesecakes are best served chilled and can be topped with whipped cream and extra crumbled Oreos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, Oreo, mini desserts, fall treats