Cheesecake Bites with Diploma Picks (Printable View)

Creamy, bite-sized cheesecake with graham cracker crust and fresh berry topping, perfect for celebrations.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream

→ Topping

09 - 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries, diced
10 - 2 tablespoons fruit preserves, optional

→ Decoration

11 - Graduation-style diploma picks or DIY paper and twine picks

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with mini cupcake liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
03 - Spoon 1 teaspoon of crust mixture into each liner and press down firmly.
04 - Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
05 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
06 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream; blend until just combined.
07 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling over each crust and smooth the tops.
08 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
09 - Remove from oven and allow cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
10 - Transfer to a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
11 - Top each cheesecake bite with fresh berries. For added shine, warm fruit preserves and brush lightly over berries.
12 - Insert diploma picks into each cheesecake bite before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're ridiculously simple to make but taste like you spent hours in a pastry kitchen.
  • Mini portions mean everyone can have one (or three) without guilt, and they're perfect for celebrations where people want to keep moving.
  • You can prep them a day ahead, which takes the stress out of party day entirely.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable—cold cream cheese and eggs create lumps and an uneven texture no amount of stirring can fix.
  • Don't overbake; the slight jiggle in the center is what keeps them creamy rather than dense and cake-like, so trust the timing even if you're nervous.
03 -
  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion the filling evenly—this saves time and ensures every bite bakes in the same amount of time.
  • Invest in quality cream cheese; cheaper brands have more whey and create a slightly grainy texture that's noticeably different from the real thing.
Return