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Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites: Best Kid-Approved Fall Treat

mini pumpkin cheesecake bites - featured image

These mini pumpkin cheesecake bites are a happy accident turned family favorite. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, fluffy pumpkin cheesecake filling, they’re the perfect poppable fall treat that kids and adults alike will devour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets, crushed fine)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Caramel sauce (optional, for topping)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with mini paper liners or grease generously.
  2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and stir with a fork until mixture resembles wet sand and clumps together when pressed.
  3. Scoop about 1 heaping teaspoon of crust mixture into each muffin cup. Press down firmly using a small measuring spoon or the bottom of a shot glass to create a solid, even layer.
  4. Bake crusts for 5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  6. Add ½ cup sugar and beat until combined, about 1 minute.
  7. Add pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Beat on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Spoon filling into each crust-lined cup, filling almost to the top. A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop works well.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes. Edges should be set but centers will still jiggle slightly when shaken.
  10. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack, then carefully transfer bites to rack to cool completely.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, before serving. Serve cold.

Notes

Don’t skip pre-baking the crust to prevent sogginess. Use room temperature cream cheese and egg for a smooth filling. No water bath needed for these mini bites. Watch for the jiggle test to avoid overbaking. Chill completely for best texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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