Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as cute as it is decadent: Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach. These little treats are the perfect marriage of creamy, tangy cheesecake and velvety chocolate, all perched on a buttery biscuit base. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or treating yourself to some weeknight joy, each bite promises a rich yet balanced experience that will have everyone swooning. Their size also means you can easily serve them at parties, or tuck one away for a private moment of bliss—it’s the ultimate way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach is that you don’t need a laundry list of hard-to-find items—every ingredient here pulls its weight by adding depth, richness, or irresistible texture. This is a case where quality and simplicity work magic together.

• Digestive biscuits or graham crackers (150g): These build a sweet, hearty base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Unsalted butter (70g, melted): Melted butter binds the crumbs and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Sugar (1 tbsp, optional): Enhances the biscuit flavor just a touch, especially if you love things a little sweeter.
• Cream cheese (300g, softened): The heart of your cheesecakes, providing that signature tang and creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar (120g): For sweetness and a smooth, melt-away finish.
• Heavy cream (200ml for filling, 120ml for ganache): This ingredient lends richness and a lush, silky mouthfeel, both in the filling and the topping.
• Large eggs (2): Eggs provide lift and structure, keeping the cheesecakes beautifully tender and set.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and brings out the best in the dairy and chocolate flavors.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Just the ticket for a stable, sliceable cheesecake without any cracks.
• Dark chocolate (150g, chopped): The backbone of your decadent ganache topping—choose a quality chocolate you enjoy eating.
• Butter (1 tsp for ganache, optional): A quick trick for glossy, picture-perfect ganache.
• Chocolate truffles (Maltesers/Ferrero-style): For a touch of luxury and an extra chocolate hit in every bite.
• Caramel popcorn or nut clusters: Adds playful crunch and a sweet-salty surprise.
• Fresh thyme or mint leaves (optional): These herbs add a pop of color and a hint of freshness as garnish.

How to Make Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach

Step 1: Create the Crust

The journey begins with a crust that’s downright irresistible! Start by blending your crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) with melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar. The mixture should look like sandy pebbles—cozy, buttery, and perfect. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of your muffin tins or mini cheesecake molds for a base that won’t crumb apart. Pop them in the fridge while you move on to the next (delicious) task!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Here’s where the magic happens. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), then use an electric mixer (or some serious elbow grease) to beat the cream cheese until it’s creamy and lump-free. Sprinkle in the sugar and keep blending until everything’s silky. Crack in the eggs one at a time, blending just until incorporated—you want a batter that’s smooth but not overworked. Fold in the heavy cream, fragrant vanilla, and cornstarch. Spoon this lush mixture onto each chilled crust. Bake for 18–22 minutes; look for centers that jiggle ever so slightly. Let the cakes cool before popping them in the fridge for at least three hours (or overnight, for a real treat!).

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

The star topping for our Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach is impossibly glossy and plush. Gently heat your cream until it’s just on the verge of simmering (don’t let it boil!). Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate—watch it melt into a glorious pool—then add butter if you want extra sheen and richness. Stir everything together until completely smooth. Allow the ganache to cool a bit so it thickens enough to coat the cheesecakes beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

Now it’s time for the big reveal! Carefully remove your mini cheesecakes from their molds; a little patience here goes a long way. Spoon generous puddles of ganache on each cake, letting it artfully drip down the sides. For that showstopper finish, crown each cheesecake with a chocolate truffle, a scatter of caramel popcorn or nut clusters, and a fresh mint or thyme sprig. It’s the sort of dessert that begs to be Instagrammed—before it gets devoured!

How to Serve Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach

Garnishes

When it comes to serving, the right garnish takes your Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach from delightful to unforgettable. I love to play with texture and color: think shiny chocolate truffles, crunchy caramel popcorn, and maybe a surprise pop of green from mint or thyme. Each bite becomes a mini adventure, and your guests will be as wowed by how these look as how they taste!

Side Dishes

Want to make these cheesecakes a full dessert course? Pair them with fresh berries for a tart contrast, scoop of vanilla ice cream for true indulgence, or even a glass of cold brew coffee. Their rich, chocolaty flavor also pairs fantastically with a little something bubbly—think sparkling wine or a nice cold cream soda.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is everything with Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach. Try serving them on a tiered cake stand for high-tea vibes, nestling them in colorful cupcake wrappers, or lining them up on a wooden platter for rustic charm. For an extra surprise, serve them with tiny forks or dessert spoons—and don’t forget to drizzle a little extra ganache on the plate for drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These mini cheesecakes keep beautifully in the fridge. Pop the leftovers into an airtight box, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you’ve already added the ganache and toppings, don’t worry—just keep them in a single layer so nothing gets smushed, and you’ll be able to snack on perfect bites all week.

Freezing

Craving Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach on demand? Freeze the baked and cooled cheesecakes (before adding ganache and toppings) in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then finish with ganache and your favorite garnishes.

Reheating

These little beauties are best enjoyed cold or at room temp, so no reheating required! If you’re thawing from frozen, let them sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving, then add the ganache topping. The result: cheesecakes that taste just as dreamy as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate gives a deeply rich flavor, milk chocolate creates a sweeter and creamier ganache. Just sub it in one-for-one, and you’ll still have irresistibly glossy, delicious Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach.

Can I make these cheesecakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily swap the digestive biscuits or graham crackers for a gluten-free alternative. All other ingredients are already gluten-free, making this recipe a great choice for all your friends and family members.

How can I tell when the cheesecakes are perfectly baked?

The trick to dreamy, creamy Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach is to pull them from the oven when the centers are just set but still have a gentle wobble. They’ll finish setting as they cool and chill in the fridge—no need to wait for a firm center in the oven!

What’s the best way to remove the cheesecakes from the molds?

If you lined your tins or molds with cupcake liners, removal is a breeze. If not, run a thin knife around the edges after chilling to release each cake; patience and a gentle touch are key to keeping them picture-perfect.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Go for it! This recipe scales beautifully—just double each ingredient, and use two muffin tins or batches. You’ll have a spectacular spread of Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an impressive, fun-to-make dessert that’s bursting with flavor, Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganach are your answer. Each bite is pure joy, and there’s plenty of room for your own creativity in toppings and presentation. Give these a try—your taste buds (and your guests!) will thank you.