Irresistible Mini No-Bake M&M Cheesecakes: The Ultimate Easy Dessert!

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a rich, creamy cheesecake. However, many people find traditional cheesecakes intimidating due to the long baking times, water baths, and the dreaded cracked top. That’s where no-bake cheesecakes come to the rescue! While some might argue they aren’t “real cheesecake” in the classic sense, I wholeheartedly embrace their charm. To me, a no-bake cheesecake is like a wonderfully rich and cheesy mousse – lighter, incredibly smooth, and unbelievably easy to prepare.

And what makes a dessert even better? Adding colorful, crunchy M&M’s, of course! This recipe for No-Bake M&M Cheesecake takes all the ease and deliciousness of a no-bake method and infuses it with the playful joy of America’s favorite chocolate candies. The result? Adorably mini cheesecakes that are bursting with flavor and guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering, especially if there are kids (or kids at heart!) around.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Mini M&M Cheesecakes

These mini delights aren’t just easy; they’re a revelation in dessert making. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Easy: No oven required! This recipe skips the baking process entirely, making it perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time.
Quick to Prepare: With just about 10 minutes of active prep time, you’ll have these cheesecakes assembled and chilling in no time. The hardest part is waiting for them to set!
Kid-Friendly & Fun: M&M’s add a fantastic pop of color and a delightful crunch, making these mini cheesecakes incredibly appealing to children. They’re also small, perfectly portioned bites of sugary fun.
Perfect for Parties: Their individual size makes them ideal for serving at birthday parties, potlucks, picnics, or any celebration where you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prepare these cheesecakes well in advance, allowing them to chill and set perfectly in the refrigerator. This frees up your time on the day of your event.
Rich & Creamy Texture: Despite being no-bake, the filling is wonderfully creamy, smooth, and melts in your mouth, offering a delightful contrast to the crunchy crust and M&M’s.

The Magic of No-Bake Desserts

For many, the idea of baking can feel daunting. Measuring precisely, dealing with hot ovens, and the anxiety of whether something will rise or set correctly can deter even the most enthusiastic home cooks. No-bake desserts, especially cheesecakes, bypass these challenges. They rely on simple mixing, careful chilling, and quality ingredients to achieve fantastic results. This particular M&M cheesecake embodies the best of no-bake philosophy: minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. It’s truly an easy way to get into making impressive desserts without the stress.

The blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar creates a light yet decadent base that is both satisfying and refreshing. The graham cracker crust provides a lovely texture and classic cheesecake flavor foundation, perfectly complementing the creamy filling. And those M&M’s? They’re not just for looks; they add a delightful chocolatey burst and a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire experience.

A vibrant close-up of a mini M&M cheesecake with a creamy topping.

5 from 2 votes

No Bake M&M Cheesecake

By

Julie Maestre

No bake cheesecakes are a great way to make dessert ahead of time. You can cool them down so that they can set. These are great for parties and the mini cheesecakes act as mini-bites that are pops of sweet sugary fun.

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

0 minutes

Refrigerate:

4 hours

Total:

4 hours

10 minutes

Servings:

8
servings

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Ingredients

▢

1 1/2
cups
crushed graham crackers
▢

1/2
tsp
cinnamon
▢

1/4
cup
brown sugar
▢

5
tbsp
unsalted melted butter

Cheesecake Filling:

▢

16
ounces
cream cheese
▢

2
cups
heavy cream
▢

1/3
cup
white sugar
▢

1
tsp
vanilla extract
▢

1
cup
m&ms

Whipped Cream

▢

1 1/2
cups
heavy cream
▢

2
tbsp
powdered sugar
▢

1
tsp
vanilla extract

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Instructions

Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon with the crushed graham cracker crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of your muffin or cheesecake tin, ensuring an even layer for each mini cheesecake. Set aside.
For the creamy cheesecake filling, begin by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s perfectly smooth and lump-free. This is crucial for a silky texture.
Next, add the vanilla extract, white sugar, and heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to mix for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks.
Gently fold in the M&M’s. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep their vibrant colors intact.
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into the prepared muffin/cheesecake tin on top of the graham cracker crusts. Smooth the tops with a spoon or offset spatula. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow them to set completely.
To prepare the whipped cream topping, whip the additional heavy cream in a chilled bowl with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken and resemble soft whipped cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix for an additional 20 seconds until stiff peaks form.
Once the cheesecakes are fully set, remove them from the tin. Frost each cheesecake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and garnish with a few extra M&M’s for a festive finish. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

0 minutes

Refrigerate:

4 hours

Total Time:

4 hours

10 minutes

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:
888

Keyword:
M&M Cheesecake, No-Bake Cheesecake

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Tips for No-Bake Cheesecake Success

Achieving that perfect, creamy consistency and well-set structure in a no-bake cheesecake is simpler than you think. Follow these tips to ensure your M&M cheesecakes are absolutely perfect every time:

Start with Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is arguably the most important tip. Softened cream cheese (take it out of the fridge at least an hour before) will blend smoothly, preventing lumps in your filling. Cold cream cheese will result in a grainy texture.
Whip Cream Properly: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. You’re looking for stiff peaks that hold their shape. Over-whipping can turn it grainy, while under-whipping won’t provide enough structure for the cheesecake to set.
Firmly Press the Crust: A well-packed graham cracker crust is key. Use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into each muffin liner. This prevents a crumbly crust when you try to remove the cheesecakes.
Adequate Chilling Time is Essential: Do not rush the refrigeration step! A minimum of 4 hours is necessary, but overnight chilling is highly recommended. This allows the cheesecake filling to fully set and firm up, making them much easier to handle and serve.
Grease Muffin Tins (Optional but Helpful): If you’re not using paper liners, a light greasing of your muffin tin can help prevent sticking. Alternatively, lining with paper or foil liners makes removal incredibly easy.
Don’t Overmix Once M&M’s are Added: Gently fold in the M&M’s. Too much mixing can cause their colors to bleed into the cheesecake filling, which might not be the look you’re going for.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these M&M cheesecakes are fantastic as is, there’s always room for a little creativity!

Other Candy Mix-ins: Don’t limit yourself to just M&M’s! Try other chopped chocolate candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, or even chopped chocolate bar pieces.
Flavor Boosters: A hint of lemon zest in the filling can add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness. A dash of almond extract instead of vanilla could also be a fun twist.
Fruit Toppings: While M&M’s are the star here, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a few fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) could add another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Cookie Crust Alternatives: Instead of graham crackers, consider crushed Oreos for a chocolate crust, or shortbread cookies for a buttery base.
Serving Occasions: These mini cheesecakes are not just for kids’ parties. They’re elegant enough for a casual dinner party, a delightful treat for a summer BBQ, or a comforting dessert for a cozy night in.

Storage Tips

These mini no-bake M&M cheesecakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored to savor later:

Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to add the whipped cream and extra M&M’s just before serving for the freshest look and texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecakes (without the whipped cream topping) for up to 1 month. Wrap each mini cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours before topping with fresh whipped cream and M&M’s and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this in a larger pan instead of mini cheesecakes?: Yes, you can! You’ll need a 9-inch pie dish or a springform pan. Press the crust into the bottom. The chilling time will likely remain the same, but ensure it’s fully set before slicing. You might need to adjust the M&M quantity for a larger surface area if desired.
Do I have to use M&M’s?: Not at all! M&M’s add a fun touch, but you can omit them entirely for a classic no-bake cheesecake or substitute them with other candies, chocolate chips, or even sprinkles for a different look and taste.
My cheesecake filling isn’t setting. What went wrong?: The most common reasons for a runny no-bake cheesecake are using warm cream cheese, not whipping the heavy cream enough, or not chilling for long enough. Ensure your ingredients are cold (except the cream cheese which should be room temp for blending, then chilled in the mixture), and give it ample time in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?: Absolutely! Crushed Oreo cookies (with or without the cream filling), digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even vanilla wafers would make excellent alternatives for the crust.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?: This recipe contains dairy, gluten (from graham crackers), and nuts (if M&M’s contain nut traces, always check packaging). For specific dietary needs, look for suitable substitutes like gluten-free graham crackers or dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives, though results may vary.

Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free dessert for a busy weeknight or a show-stopping treat for your next party, these Mini No-Bake M&M Cheesecakes are your answer. They combine ease of preparation with delightful flavors and a playful aesthetic that everyone will adore. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to indulge in these incredibly cute and utterly delicious cheesecakes! Happy no-baking!