Mini Black Forest Cheesecake

If you’ve ever had a Black Forest cake, you know it’s all kinds of dreamy, chocolate, cherries, and cream all layered together into something delicious. Now imagine all that goodness packed into a tiny, no-bake cup you can hold in your hand. That’s exactly what this Mini Black Forest Cheesecake recipe is all about. And this one’s a keeper.

So if you’re planning a birthday party, a movie night, or just need a little chocolate-cherry pick-me-up, this recipe is the perfect treat to whip up.

Why I Love These Mini Black Forest Cheesecakes

There are days I barely have time to pour my coffee, let alone bake something from scratch. But these cheesecakes? They’re no-bake, super quick to put together, and still manage to look totally fancy and impressive.

They’re also perfect for parties. You can serve them in little clear cups or mason jars, and they’re just the right size for dessert without going overboard.

Here’s why they’ve become a regular at our house:

• No oven needed (perfect, especially in summer)
• You can make them ahead of time
• They look adorable on a dessert table
• That combo of creamy, chocolatey, cherry-filled deliciousness

How to Make Mini Black Forest Cheesecake

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Pudding

In a large mixing bowl, pour in your 2 cups of milk and whisk in the instant chocolate pudding. Use a hand mixer on medium/high speed for about 2 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Then pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes to set.

Little tip: I usually do this step first so I can move on to the cream cheese while the pudding chills.

Step 2: Make It Creamy and Dreamy

In a second mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and beat it on medium/high for about 1 minute until it’s nice and fluffy. Then scoop out 1 cup of the pudding you just made and mix it into the cream cheese. Beat everything together for another 30 seconds until it’s smooth.

At this point, try not to just grab a spoon and eat the whole bowl. I’m warning you now, it’s that good.

Step 3: Build the Layers

Now grab your little cups, jars, or even mini trifle dishes. Time to layer!

1. Start with a generous spoonful of the cream cheese and pudding mixture on the bottom.
2. Sprinkle on a layer of crushed chocolate graham crackers.
3. Next, layer on more of that rich chocolate pudding.
4. Spoon a nice heap of cherry pie filling on top.
5. Finish it off with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for the perfect final touch.

Make-Ahead Tip

These can totally be made the night before your party. Just cover them with a little plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be perfectly chilled and even more delicious after everything has had time to set.

Fun Ways to Dress Them Up

Want to get a little extra? You know I’m all about adding those fun little touches to make things feel special. Here are a few cute ideas:

• Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry (so retro and fun!)
• Use mini mason jars and tie a ribbon around the top for party favors
• Add a little heart-shaped spoon for Valentine’s Day
• Sprinkle edible glitter on top if you’re feelin’ fancy

This dessert is super versatile, so you can totally make it match your party theme or holiday.

If you’re hosting a party soon and need an easy dessert that’s sure to impress, Mini Black Forest Cheesecakes are where it’s at. They’re creamy, chocolatey, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, they come together so quickly, you’ll have time to actually enjoy the party!

Check Out More Pudding Recipes

• Chia Pudding with Figs
• Banana Pudding Cookies

Mini Black Forest Cheesecake

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups milk
• 8 oz block of cream cheese softened
• 1 sleeve chocolate graham crackers crushed
• 1 2.03 oz packet of instant chocolate pudding
• 1 21 oz can of cherry pie filling
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for topping, aka the fun part

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, pour in your 2 cups of milk and whisk in the instant chocolate pudding. Use a hand mixer on medium/high speed for about 2 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Then pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes to set.

  Tip: I usually do this step first so I can move on to the cream cheese while the pudding chills.
• In a second mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and beat it on medium/high for about 1 minute until it’s nice and fluffy. Then scoop out 1 cup of the pudding you just made and mix it into the cream cheese. Beat everything together for another 30 seconds until it’s smooth.
• Grab your little cups, jars, or even mini trifle dishes. Start with a generous spoonful of the cream cheese and pudding mixture on the bottom. Sprinkle on a layer of crushed chocolate graham crackers. Next, layer on more of that rich chocolate pudding. Spoon a nice heap of cherry pie filling on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for the perfect final touch.