Mini Mason Jar Spiced Cheesecakes (Printable)
Creamy, spiced cheesecakes served in individual mason jars—perfect for effortless entertaining and make-ahead desserts.
# What You Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/3 cup sour cream
07 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
11 - 1/8 tsp ground ginger
12 - Pinch of ground cloves
13 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Topping
14 - Whipped cream
15 - Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
# Directions:
01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly moistened and well blended.
02 - Distribute approximately 2 heaping tablespoons of crust mixture into each of six 4-ounce mini mason jars. Press firmly using the back of a spoon to create an even base layer.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth. Incorporate sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Continue mixing until fully combined and creamy throughout.
04 - In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream using a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form and the cream holds its shape.
05 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, taking care to maintain airiness. Continue folding until no white streaks remain and the filling is uniformly smooth and light.
06 - Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly among the prepared jars, layering it over the crust. Use the back of a spoon to smooth and level the surface of each portion.
07 - Cover each jar tightly with its lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the cheesecake to firm completely before serving.
08 - Top each cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg immediately before serving, if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything can be made ahead and tucked into the fridge until guests arrive
- Individual portions mean no slicing, no serving stress, and everyone gets their own adorable dessert
02 -
- Over whipping the heavy cream will turn it grainy and ruin the silky texture
- Folding too aggressively knocks all the air out and makes the filling dense instead of airy
03 -
- Run your spoon under hot water between jars for perfectly smooth tops
- The back of a measuring cup works better than a spoon for pressing down the crust evenly