Indulge Without Waste: Easy Mini Cheesecake For Two in Ramekins (Plain & Chocolate Options)

Cheesecake is a universally beloved dessert, yet sometimes the thought of baking an entire cheesecake feels a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re dining alone, sharing a sweet moment with a loved one, or simply craving a perfectly portioned treat, the solution is elegantly simple: baking a luscious cheesecake for two in ramekins! This delightful mini cheesecake recipe offers just enough dessert for two people, making it an ideal choice for a romantic evening, a cozy night in, or when you want to satisfy a cheesecake craving without the commitment of a full-sized cake. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization with various toppings and flavors, including a delectable mini chocolate cheesecake recipe for two.

For many, cheesecake holds a special place in their heart – a luxurious, creamy indulgence that’s often reserved for special occasions. It’s a dessert that tends to evoke strong opinions; you either adore its rich, tangy sweetness or you don’t. There seems to be very little middle ground. As someone who firmly falls into the “love it” category, I’ve often grappled with the desire for a single, perfect slice without the abundance of a whole cheesecake. This craving, coupled with a dislike for food waste, led me on a mission to master the art of scaling down my favorite recipes. And so, the concept of a small batch cheesecake was born.

The beauty of cooking and baking for two people extends beyond just minimizing leftovers. It’s a mindful approach to eating that many, including myself, appreciate for portion control, especially when it comes to tempting desserts like cheesecake. While I could easily devour an entire cheesecake on my own (and have been tempted to), I understand the wisdom in enjoying a single, satisfying portion. This is precisely why developing a reliable recipe for Baked Cheesecake For Two in Ramekins became a priority.

This easy cheesecake recipe for two is designed to be incredibly flexible. You can tailor each individual ramekin cheesecake to different preferences – one for you, one for your companion, or even both for yourself (we won’t tell!). Imagine the possibilities: a classic plain cheesecake for one, a rich chocolate mini cheesecake for the other. You can opt for a traditional graham cracker crust, a decadent chocolate cookie crust, or even go crustless for a lighter, gluten-friendly option. The flavor combinations are truly limitless, inviting you to unleash your culinary creativity.

I distinctly recall a conversation with a friend who “angrily” questioned why I didn’t have a straightforward plain cheesecake recipe on my site. I explained that while I had the perfect base, I often found myself adding a little “pizzazz” before publishing. Since then, I’ve introduced my Classic Cheesecake recipe, but I assured her that this mini version of cheesecake offers the same beloved flavor profile in a smaller, more manageable package. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the unadulterated taste of traditional cheesecake, and yes, she still owes me a slice (ahem, as a good friend does!).

To create these delightful individual cheesecakes, I scaled down my tried-and-true favorite recipe, baked them in standard ramekins, and then let my imagination run wild with toppings. The beauty of these ramekin cheesecakes is their blank canvas potential. Consider these delicious options:

• Fruity Delights: Top with a vibrant strawberry jam without pectin, a luscious homemade strawberry sauce, or a sweet blueberry jam without pectin.
• Creamy Indulgences: Elevate your cheesecake with a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or explore flavored variations like peanut butter whipped cream, chocolate whipped cream, cream cheese whipped cream, maple whipped cream, or strawberry whipped cream. Don’t forget a classic maraschino cherry on top for that extra pop of color!
• Caramel & Nutty Goodness: Drizzle with rich homemade caramel sauce, melted peanut butter chips, or finely chopped peanut butter cups.

You can truly create a personalized dessert experience. Make both cheesecakes plain, both chocolate, or one of each. The choice is yours, and I have no doubt your imagination (and taste buds!) will lead you to even more incredible flavor combinations.

For this easy cheesecake for two recipe, I typically use two 6-ounce ramekins. It’s important to note that ramekin sizes can vary, and this can sometimes affect the final appearance of your cheesecake. If your ramekins are on the smaller side, the batter might rise a bit too high during baking, causing the cheesecake to sink slightly in the middle as it cools. But fear not! This is a common occurrence and easily remedied. Simply add an extra generous swirl of whipped cream or your favorite topping – problem solved, and deliciousness guaranteed.

Another crucial detail for this scaled-down cheesecake recipe is the use of an egg yolk instead of a whole egg. This precise measurement helps maintain the perfect texture and consistency for a smaller batch. If you find yourself with leftover egg whites, don’t let them go to waste! Be sure to check out my collection of creative recipes specifically designed for using leftover egg whites.

No ramekins on hand? No problem! While ramekins are ideal for individual portions, you still have plenty of options to enjoy a small-batch cheesecake. Consider baking a cheesecake in a jar for a portable dessert, or opt for a slightly larger but still manageable size with my 4-inch cheesecake recipe, 6-inch cheesecake recipe, or even a 7-inch cheesecake recipe, all perfect for smaller households.

Got an air fryer? You can also make a fantastic Air Fryer Cheesecake, utilizing ramekins for individual servings with minimal fuss!

One of the most frequent questions I encounter regarding cheesecake baking is whether a water bath is truly necessary. For this particular mini cheesecake recipe, the answer is a resounding no! I’ve extensively tested and refined this recipe to achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy cheesecake without the added step of a water bath. As long as you are careful not to overbake, you’ll find that these individual cheesecakes emerge from the oven with beautifully firm tops, free from any unsightly cracks. Should you accidentally end up with a small crack (it happens to the best of us!), a simple dollop of whipped cream or a generous layer of your chosen topping will effortlessly conceal it. No one will ever know your secret!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cream Cheese

Baking in small batches for two can sometimes leave you with partial ingredients. Cream cheese, often sold in 8-ounce blocks, is a common culprit when a recipe only calls for 5 ounces. Don’t let that precious cream cheese go to waste! Here are some delightful and simple ways to use up the remainder:

• **Creamy Pasta Sauce:** Transform your weeknight dinner with a touch of richness. Stir the leftover cream cheese into a homemade tomato sauce, like this comforting Tomato Mushroom Pasta, for an incredibly smooth and flavorful dish.
• **Indulgent Hot Chocolate:** Elevate your cozy beverage game with a mug of Cheesecake Hot Chocolate. The cream cheese adds an amazing depth and creaminess, making it a truly decadent treat.
• **Small Batch Cookies:** Satisfy your cookie craving with a batch of Cheesecake Cookies. The cream cheese keeps them wonderfully soft and adds a subtle tang that complements their sweetness.
• **Savory Spreads:** Mix with herbs and garlic for a quick, delicious spread for bagels or crackers.
• **Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:** Combine with powdered sugar and a splash of milk for a simple, tangy frosting for cupcakes or brownies.

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and charm of ramekin desserts, you’re in good company! Beyond these delightful cheesecakes, explore other tempting treats like my rich Brownies For Two, decadent Mini Lava Cakes, and comforting Mini Apple Pies. For a full array of single-serving or small-batch delights, be sure to check out my comprehensive list of Ramekin Dessert Recipes.

Cheesecake For Two In Ramekins

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Chill Time:
4 hours

Total Time:
4 hours 40 minutes

This easy and delightful mini cheesecake recipe, baked perfectly in ramekins, is designed to serve two. It’s wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it with various toppings and choose between a classic plain or rich chocolate batter. Get ready for perfectly portioned dessert bliss!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup graham cracker or chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 5 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted (optional – only if making chocolate cheesecake)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Various toppings, such as whipped cream, strawberries, maraschino cherries, or chopped peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Have two 6-ounce ramekins* ready and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of each ramekin.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Scrape down the bowl then beat in the egg yolk until incorporated, about 1 minute.
5. Beat in the vanilla and melted chocolate if using.
6. Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch. There may be a slight jiggle when moved – that’s ok.
7. Cool completely then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve with various toppings.

Notes

Because ramekins can vary in size, it is possible the cheesecake may sink in the middle due to small ramekin size. If this happens, add extra toppings.

If you use 4 ounce ramekins, you may need to divide the batter among three ramekins to avoid overflow.

Recommended Products

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• 6 ounce Ramekins
• Hand Mixer

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More Small Batch & Cheesecake For Two Recipes

If you’re a fan of perfectly portioned desserts, especially cheesecake, you’ll love these other small-batch options tailored for two:

• Loaf Pan Cheesecake: A delightful strawberry swirl cheesecake baked in a small loaf pan, perfect for a couple of servings.
• Mini Funfetti Cheesecake For Two: Add a touch of celebration to your dessert with this fun and colorful mini cheesecake.
• No Bake Peach Cheesecake: A refreshing and easy no-bake option featuring luscious peaches and cream.
• No Bake Cheesecake Cups: Quick, simple, and bursting with mixed berry flavor – ideal for a speedy treat.
• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Dip: A fun, shareable dip that delivers all the flavors of cheesecake without the baking.

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