Mini Ghost Cheesecake Cups (Printable Version)

Bite-sized cheesecakes with creamy filling, chocolate crust, and playful ghosts, a charming treat for Halloween.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 12 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

03 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Decoration

09 - 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
10 - 12 mini chocolate chips
11 - 6 regular chocolate chips, halved

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Mix crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter in a medium bowl until combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of mixture into each liner, pressing firmly to create an even crust.
03 - Bake crusts for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow crusts to cool slightly.
04 - Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and salt. Mix until just combined.
05 - Distribute filling evenly over each crust, using about 1 heaping tablespoon per cup. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
06 - Cool the cheesecakes in the tin for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes until thoroughly chilled.
07 - Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
08 - Pipe or spoon a rounded dollop of melted white chocolate onto each cheesecake to create a ghost shape, extending a slight 'tail' at the bottom.
09 - While white chocolate is still soft, gently press mini chocolate chips for eyes and regular chocolate chip halves for mouths.
10 - Refrigerate cheesecakes until the chocolate decorations are set. Serve chilled.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find pantry staples
  • Quick prep and minimal baking time
  • Perfect make-ahead festive dessert
  • Appeals to kids and adults alike
02 -
  • Kid friendly and perfect for parties
  • Vegetarian dessert so everyone can enjoy
  • High in calcium and protein thanks to cream cheese
03 -
  • Always start with room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps
  • Take your time melting the white chocolate and decorate while soft for smooth ghosts
  • Use extra cookie crumbs to fill any gaps in the crust for a perfect base every time

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