Mini Soufflé Cheesecake Cups
Mini soufflé cheesecake cups are one of those desserts that feel impressive even though they are incredibly simple to prepare. They come out of the oven puffed, delicate, and beautifully golden, with a texture that sits somewhere between a cloud-like soufflé and a soft cheesecake. These little treats are perfect for any occasion, from a relaxed afternoon coffee break to a holiday dessert table. Their light sweetness and airy texture make them a dessert people reach for without hesitation, and they disappear faster than you expect.
What makes these cheesecake cups so special is the way they combine just a few basic ingredients into something that feels elegant. With every bite you get a gentle creaminess, a touch of sweetness, and a beautifully tender crumb that almost melts as soon as it hits your tongue. They are easy to personalize, too, which means you can make them your own by adding a citrus zest, a chocolate drizzle, a berry compote, or even a caramel swirl. But even in their simplest form, they taste comforting, warm, and wonderfully nostalgic.
Another advantage of these cheesecake cups is the manageable portion size. Instead of baking a full cheesecake that requires long cooling hours, delicate timing, and careful slicing, these mini soufflé cups bake quickly and cool much faster. They rise beautifully in the oven and settle slightly as they cool, giving you that classic soft cheesecake look with a light soufflé-style lift. They are ideal for serving guests because they don’t require plates, slicing, or extra fuss. Place them on a tray, dust them with powdered sugar, and they are ready to enjoy.
Because of their airy structure, these cheesecake cups remain light enough to enjoy after a large meal or as a small, sweet pick-me-up during the day. They keep well in the refrigerator, too, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them chilled. The flavor only becomes smoother as the hours pass, making them even more delightful the next day.
Ingredients
3 large eggs
120 g white chocolate or baking white chocolate chips
120 g cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional: lemon zest, vanilla extract, berry compote, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a standard muffin tin with paper cups or set out small individual ramekins. Prepare a larger baking dish that will be used later as a water bath.
Separate the eggs while they are still cold, placing the egg whites into one bowl and the yolks into another. Let them come to room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Place the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt it using a double boiler or a microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
Add the softened cream cheese to the melted chocolate and mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Stir the egg yolks into the mixture until fully combined. You should have a thick, glossy batter.
In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This step is essential because it gives the cheesecake cups their airy, soufflé-like texture.
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the whites. Fold until no streaks remain, but do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups or ramekins, filling each one about three-quarters full.
Place the muffin tin or ramekins inside the larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the tin or ramekins.
Bake the cheesecake cups for 20 to 25 minutes or until they rise and turn lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let them cool in the water bath for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Mini soufflé cheesecake cups can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Warm cups will be extra fluffy and soft, while chilled cups become creamier and more cheesecake-like. Each version has its own charm, so you can choose based on your preference or the occasion.
If you want to dress them up, you can add a spoonful of cherry or raspberry sauce, a bit of lemon zest for brightness, or a delicate drizzle of chocolate. Even a small spoonful of whipped cream can elevate these little treats. The simplicity of the base recipe allows you to pair them with almost any flavor.
These cups also freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, place them in an airtight container, and freeze. When you’re ready to serve them, let them thaw in the refrigerator. They maintain their texture beautifully and make dessert planning much easier when you can prepare them ahead of time.
Mini soufflé cheesecake cups are a wonderful recipe for new bakers because they require only a few ingredients and simple steps. At the same time, they appeal to experienced bakers who appreciate the impressive result achieved with minimal effort. The batter comes together quickly, the baking time is short, and the final result looks like something you would find in a small bakery.
Their versatility is another reason people love making them. Serve them with coffee in the morning, give them as a sweet addition to brunch, or bring them to a potluck where guests can enjoy them without utensils. They work beautifully for small celebrations and gatherings because they look special while being incredibly easy to transport and share.
For families with children, these cups are a great activity. Kids enjoy helping fold the fluffy egg whites into the batter, lining the muffin cups, and watching the soufflés rise in the oven. The aroma of warm cream cheese and chocolate fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract. For a brighter, fresh taste, grate a bit of lemon zest into the batter before folding in the egg whites. These small additions enhance the cups without overpowering their delicate texture.
Some people enjoy adding a small spoonful of lemon curd or berry jam in the center of each cup before baking. This creates a soft, sweet surprise when you take a bite. Just keep the amount small so the souffle structure remains intact.
Texture-wise, these cheesecake cups offer the best of both worlds. The delicate lift from the whipped egg whites gives them a fluffy, almost airy top. As you bite further, the center becomes smooth and creamy, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese cheesecake. This combination of textures makes each bite interesting and satisfying.
As the cups cool, they may sink slightly, which is completely normal. The soft structure settles, and the top can be dusted with powder sugar to give them a polished finish. If you bake them in ramekins, they look especially charming, rising beautifully above the rim.
These mini cheesecake cups also make a lovely gift. Place them in small boxes or wrap each ramekin with ribbon. They have a homemade charm that feels thoughtful and inviting. People often appreciate desserts that feel both special and personal, and these cups are exactly that.
If you are hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside fresh berries, a bowl of whipped cream, or a platter of chocolates. Guests can add toppings as they like, creating a small dessert station that feels fun and interactive.
Storing them is simple. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. They remain soft and delicious, and their texture becomes even smoother after chilling. When you want to enjoy one, you can eat it straight from the refrigerator or warm it briefly in the microwave for a softer, soufflé-like bite.
In a world where desserts can sometimes feel too heavy or overly rich, mini soufflé cheesecake cups strike the perfect balance. They satisfy a sweet craving without leaving you feeling weighed down, and they are easy enough to make any day of the week.
These cups also work well for anyone who enjoys portion control. Instead of slicing pieces from a large cake, each person gets their own individual serving, making it simple to plan portions and minimize leftovers.
Mini soufflé cheesecake cups are proof that simple ingredients can create something surprisingly elegant. With eggs, cream cheese, and white chocolate as the foundation, you get a dessert that feels lighthearted yet refined. It is the kind of recipe you return to again and again because it always works, always pleases, and always looks lovely on the table.