
Tiny Candy Corn Cheesecakes will wow everyone at your Halloween party! These cute little treats come in layers of yellow, orange, and white that look just like candy corn. They've got a tasty Oreo base with smooth cheesecake on top, finished with fluffy whipped cream. Kids and adults both go crazy for these - they're super fun to put together and even better to munch on during Halloween get-togethers. Check out what goes into making these spooky little desserts!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- 1 1/2 cups (201g) Oreo crumbs: Makes a dark, crunchy foundation for your cheesecakes.
- 2 tbsp (41g) butter (melted): Helps your cookie crumbs stick together for a solid base.
- 12 ounces (339g) cream cheese (room temperature): Gives you that velvety, rich filling everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar: Brings just enough sweetness to cut through the tangy cheese.
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour: Adds stability while keeping everything creamy.
- 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream: Makes your filling extra silky and luxurious.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the overall taste profile with warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Pull everything together for that classic cheesecake texture.
- Yellow and orange gel icing colors: Create those candy corn-inspired layers that make these special.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream (cold): Transforms into an airy topping that crowns each treat.
- 5 tbsp (36g) powdered sugar: Makes your whipped topping perfectly sweet.
- Ghost toppers (optional): Add these cute decorations for extra Halloween charm.
HOW TO MAKE THEM
- Step 1:
- Get your oven hot at 325°F (162°C) and put paper liners in your cupcake pan. Give them a quick spray with non-stick stuff so your treats come out clean.
- Step 2:
- Mix your Oreo crumbs with melted butter in a bowl. Put about 2 tablespoons of this mix into each liner and push down firmly to make your crust.
- Step 3:
- Pop these crusts in the oven for 5 minutes. Take them out and let them cool while you work on the filling.
- Step 4:
- Turn your oven down to 300°F (148°C). Beat your cream cheese, sugar, and flour together slowly until smooth. Don't go crazy mixing or you'll get air bubbles that crack later.
- Step 5:
- Throw in the sour cream and vanilla. Keep mixing slowly until everything's blended nicely.
- Step 6:
- Add your eggs one after another, making sure each one disappears into the mix before adding the next. Scrape down your bowl so nothing gets left behind.
- Step 7:
- Split your batter evenly between three bowls. Leave one plain white, color another yellow, and make the third one orange for your candy corn look.
- Step 8:
- Start with yellow batter (about a tablespoon) in each liner, then add a tablespoon of orange, and finish with white on top. Fill them almost to the brim.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 15 minutes, then shut off the heat but keep the door closed for another 10 minutes. This trick stops cracks from forming.
- Step 10:
- Open the oven door a crack and let them sit for 15-20 minutes more. After that, move them to your fridge to get completely cold.
How to Serve and Store
- Always serve these tiny treats cold from the fridge, with a dollop of whipped cream and maybe those cute ghost decorations on top.
- They're perfect for Halloween bashes, family dessert nights, or any fall gathering where you want to impress.
- Got leftovers? Keep them in your fridge in a sealed container and they'll stay yummy for up to 3 days.
- Want to plan ahead? Make the cheesecakes a day early and just add the whipped cream right before your guests arrive.
Chef Secrets
- Duff Goldman says a tiny bit of cinnamon in your Oreo crust brings out amazing fall flavors that everyone will love.
- Christina Tosi thinks adding a splash of almond extract to your whipped topping takes these treats to another level.
MIX IT UP
- Need gluten-free options? Just swap in gluten-free Oreos for the crust and double-check your other ingredients.
- Want something more classic? Skip the food coloring altogether and go with plain cheesecakes topped with simple whipped cream.
- Play around with different toppings like real candy corn pieces, colorful sprinkles, or edible glitter to match your party theme.