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This 4-inch cheesecake recipe is the perfect small batch dessert when you’re craving classic New York–style cheesecake without baking a full-size cake. Made with cream cheese, a buttery graham cracker crust, and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers a smooth, rich texture with just the right amount of tang.
Unlike large cheesecake recipes that leave you with leftovers for days, this mini cheesecake recipe is baked in a 4-inch springform pan, making it ideal for one or two people. It’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or anytime you want a truly indulgent dessert without the commitment.
Since you are here make sure to check out these other cheesecake recipes like this creamy pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving, this pumpkin brownie cheesecake, these golden Oreo delicious mini cheesecakes, these cream cheese cheesecake brownies, as well as this 4-inch burnt basque cheesecake!
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This recipe came from testing multiple small cheesecakes that either cracked, overbaked, or lacked that signature creamy cheesecake filling. Baking a cheesecake this small is a little different, temperature changes, mixing technique, and even ingredient room temperature matter more than you’d expect.
After a few tweaks, this version became my go-to. It has the same flavor and texture as a full classic cheesecake recipe, just scaled down into a small batch form that actually works. It’s now one of my favorite desserts to make when I want something special but realistic.
Table of Contents
- Why This 4-Inch Cheesecake Recipe Works
- Ingredients for a 4-Inch Cheesecake
- Mini Cheesecake Topping Ideas
- Tools to make the best 4-inch cheesecake
- How to make homemade cheesecake for one?
- What are some other crust variations I can use?
- Tips for a Perfect 4-Inch Cheesecake
- How to Store and Freeze Cheesecake
- FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
- The creamiest mini cheesecake recipe ever! Recipe
Why This 4-Inch Cheesecake Recipe Works
- True New York–style cheesecake flavor and texture
- Made with full-fat cream cheese for a smooth, creamy filling
- Buttery graham cracker crust that holds together perfectly
- No stand mixer required (hand mixer or whisk works)
- Designed specifically for a 4-inch springform pan
- Prevents cracks with a gentle water bath and slow cooling
- A foolproof small batch cheesecake recipe for one or two
Ingredients for a 4-Inch Cheesecake
For the graham cracker crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs – finely crushed using a food processor or rolling pin
- White sugar – lightly sweetens the crust
- Melted butter – binds the crumbs into a wet-sand texture
For the cheesecake filling:
- Pinch of kosher salt – sharpens flavor
- Full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg, room temperature
- Sour cream – adds tang and creaminess
- Heavy cream – softens the texture
- Vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
- Lemon juice or lemon zest – balances richness
This 4-inch cheesecake recipe makes a rich, creamy New York–style cheesecake for one or two, perfect when you want dessert without leftovers.
Mini Cheesecake Topping Ideas
- Fresh fruit or strawberry sauce
- Chocolate ganache or chocolate shavings
- Caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- Whipped cream
- Cherry pie filling or blueberry sauce
Tools to make the best 4-inch cheesecake
To make this perfect cheesecake for one you will need these tools:
- 4-inch cheesecake spring form pan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A hand and a stand mixer
- Aluminum foil
- A larger dish for the water bath
How to make homemade cheesecake for one?
This mini cheesecake recipe follows the same method as classic cheesecake baking, with a few small-batch adjustments to ensure an even bake, smooth layers, and a crack-free top.
- Preheat the oven then grease your mini springform pan and line with parchment paper inside and foil on the outside. Set aside.
- To a small bowl, add the graham crackers and sugar and mix.
- Add in the melted and mix again to fully coat.
- Pour that onto the prepared springform pan and press it down evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Once light and fluffy add in the egg and mix again to combine. Make sure to not overmix the batter.
- Pour into the prepared pan on top of the warm crust.
- Lightly tap the springform cheesecake pan on the counter to get rid of any air bubbles.
- Place the cheesecake in a larger pan with hot water going about halfway through the height of the cheesecake tin and bake.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool down in the oven with the door slightly cracked to make sure that the top of the cheesecake doesn’t crack.
- Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying it.
Enjoy this cheesecake as is or with your favorite cheesecake toppings!
What are some other crust variations I can use?
While a graham cracker crust is classic, switching it up is easy and delicious:
- Digestive biscuits for a slightly less sweet option Just crush the cookies finely and mix with melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Oreo crumbs or Nilla wafer crumbs for a sweeter base
- Gingersnap cookies for a warm, spiced flavor (amazing with caramel sauce)
Tips for a Perfect 4-Inch Cheesecake
- Chill completely in the refrigerator for the best texture and clean slices
- Use room-temperature ingredients to create a smooth cheesecake batter
- Avoid overmixing, which can trap air and cause cracks
- Bake in a water bath to regulate oven heat and prevent splitting
- Cool slowly by cracking the oven door to avoid sudden temperature changes
How to Store and Freeze Cheesecake
Store cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the fully chilled cheesecake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before slicing.
FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This 4-inch cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and serve it the next day once fully set.
Cracks are usually caused by over mixing the cheesecake batter, sudden temperature changes, or skipping the water bath. Using room-temperature ingredients, baking gently, and cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps prevent cracks.
Yes, even for a mini cheesecake recipe, a water bath helps regulate oven heat and keeps the cheesecake creamy and smooth. It prevents the edges from baking faster than the center and reduces cracking.
Yes. This recipe uses full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and a slow baking method to create that classic New York–style cheesecake texture, just in a smaller size.
The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. The cheesecake will finish setting as it cools and chills in the fridge.
This cheesecake is best enjoyed within 3 days. After that, the cheesecake filling is still safe, but the crust may soften as it absorbs moisture in the fridge.
No. Cheesecake is dairy-based and should not sit out for extended periods. It’s fine on a serving table for up to 2–4 hours, but anything longer should go back into the refrigerator.
The creamiest mini cheesecake recipe ever!
Equipment
- stand mixer or hand mixer
- 4-inch cheesecake pan
Ingredients
for the crust
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp butter melted
for the cheesecake
- 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 & 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp sour cream or creme fraiche
- 1 1/2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp flour
- 1 egg at room temperature
Instructions
Make the graham crust
- Start by preheating the oven to 350F then proceed to greasing a 4-inch cheesecake springform pan. Cut out a circle of parchment paper and line the bottom of the pan then cut out a long strip of parchment paper to line the sides of the pan as well. Cover the outside of the 4-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to make sure that no water can get into your cheesecake.
- Now, add the graham crackers, sugar and the melted butter to a small bowl and mix until everything is incorporated.1/4 cup crushed graham crackers, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp butter
- Pour the graham cracker mixture into the cheesecake pan and flatten it using the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake the graham cracker crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven lower the heat to 300F and let the cheesecake cool down.
Make the cheesecake batter
- Now onto the cheesecake batter. To make the cheesecake batter add in the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, flour and sugar into a stand mixer bowl or a medium bowl and mix everything together with the paddle attachement of a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Don't over mix!4 oz cream cheese, 2 & 1/2 tbsp sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp sour cream or creme fraiche, 1 1/2 tbsp heavy cream, 1/4 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp flour
- Once you have a smooth cheesecake batter, add in the egg and mix gently until it is mixed it. This should take about 10-15 seconds. Don't over mix again!1 egg
- Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the baked graham cracker crust and tap it on the counter a few times to make sure that the cheesecake has no bubbles.
- Place the cheesecake pan in a 8X8 inch pan or whatever pan you have and place that in the oven. Fill up the 8×8 inch pan with boiling water and cook for 35 minutes. Once the cheesecake is done baking, turn off the oven, crack the oven door open and leave the cheesecake in there to cool for an hour.
- After the hour is up, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.
- Remove the springform pan, peel the parchment paper off and enjoy your delicious homemade 4-inch cheesecake!
It was delicious!!
Thank you so much for trying these Marty!
Chahinez
Hello! I can’t wait to try this recipe. I make a huge batch of cheesecake batter every Christmas in 4 inch/or 4 &1/2”
pans and give as gifts. I want to make just one for myself but I never knew the measurements for just a single mini. Thank you so very much!!! The only thing I am going to add is a little lemon zest in batter oh an maybe have the graham cracker crust go all the way to the top of the pan. I will let you know how it turns out. THANKS!!
So happy to hear that Debi! Hope you had great a holiday!
Chahinez
Hello! I can’t wait to try this recipe. I make a huge batch of cheesecake batter every Christmas in 4 inch/or 4 &1/2”
pans and give as gifts. I want to make just one for myself but I never knew the measurements for just a single mini. Thank you so very much!!! The only thing I am going to add is a little lemon zest in batter oh an maybe have the graham cracker crust go all the way to the top of the pan. I will let you know how it turns out. THANKS!!
You are so welcome Debi! Always happy to help 🙂
Happy holidays.
Chahinez
I love this recipe and make it every holiday for my next door elderly neighbors who absolutely love it!!
You’re amazing! That is so kind of you 🙂 Happy holidays!
Chahinez
This is a slam dunk of a recipe! I really love it. It is the perfect size for me. It takes 2 or 3 days to finish it because after a few bites I’ve satisfied my craving. As soon as it’s done, I start making another to make sure that I always have it on hand. I went for the crustless, plain version, used yogurt instead of sour cream and substituted arrowroot flour for the regular. Delish! Thank you 😊..
I love hearing that Regina! Glad you like it as much as I do 🙂 I will definitely be trying to make your version soon!
Chahinez
Thanks for this yummy and easy recipe! I wanted to make cheesecake for a celebration of life we were having for a family friend. Since the celebration was just going to be 4 of us (my parents, my husband, and me), it seemed like too much to make an entire cheesecake, so I made 2 of these lil guys. Each couple split a cheesecake, and that was the perfect amount. I served them with Chukar Dessert Cherries, and everyone really enjoyed them.
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed these, the reason for making them was also so kind of you! Thank you for sharing how you served them, the cherries on top sound divine!
Chahinez
This recipe is very easy to make and your step by step instructions are also easy to follow. I did however make two 4 in. cheesecakes and of course they will not be as tall as they should be, but I wanted to test the recipe out before doubling it in the future. Can’t comment on the outcome as it’s still cooling off I the oven.
Hope they turned out delicious Terrie!
Loved this recipe! Like another baker above, some water seeped thru the foil and made the crust soggy (insert sad face here). I will definitely give it another try and this time wrap it better! I added q blueberry topping and it tasted amazing 🤩
Definitely wrap it really well. I usually like to use heavy-duty foil to make sure no water gets through. Can’t wait for you to try it again 🙂
Chahinez
I have used this recipe twice so far and had great results. I halved the sugar in the crust and cake and baked it for an additional five minutes the first time. The sugar content was right for our taste but we prefer a slightly firmer cheesecake, so the second time, I also added an additional teaspoon of flour (in a quadrupled recipe). It was spot on! I topped it with homemade blueberry compote.. Really lovely guideline, thank you so much!
Ooo nice! Thank you for trying out the recipe and you’re welcome 🙂
I so loved your recipe! I have made it twice already and am preparing to make it again. Thanks for sharing. Can fruit be added without a problem? I am new to baking.
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed these! Mixing fruits in the cheesecake batter might change the texture of the cheesecake but what you can do is add a few teaspoons of your preferred jam on top and swirl it with a knife then bake as directed!
Hope that helped 🙂
Chahinez