By Karyl Leavings. Updated November 26, 2025.
These Caramel Pear Cheesecake Cups deliver creamy no-bake cheesecake, cinnamon-glossed pears, and buttery graham layers in the prettiest individual dessert cups. Each bite is silky, cozy, and caramel-kissed – the perfect make-ahead treat for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or last-minute dinner parties.
Table of Contents
By Karyl Leavings. Updated November 26, 2025.
- Total Time: 22 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy no-bake cheesecake cups layered with buttery graham crust, warm cinnamon pears, and a glossy caramel drizzle. Perfect make-ahead fall dessert!
Ingredients
1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs
4 Tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
2 medium ripe pears (~300g), diced
1 Tbsp (14g) unsalted butter, for sautéing pears
1/2–1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (150g) caramel sauce, plus more for serving
Pinch of fine sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
1. Stir the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together in a bowl until the mixture looks evenly moistened and sandy.
2. Divide the crust mixture between 6 small dessert cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom of each cup to form an even layer.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy, with no lumps.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and whip until the cheesecake filling is thick, silky, and holds soft peaks.
5. Melt 1 Tbsp (14g) butter in a small skillet over medium heat, then add the diced pears and ground cinnamon.
6. Cook the pears for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until they are tender, glossy, and the juices have thickened slightly.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pears cool until just warm or room temperature.
8. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each cup, dividing the mixture evenly between the 6 cups.
9. Top each cup with a generous spoonful of the cinnamon pears.
10. Drizzle caramel sauce over the pears and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top if you like a salted caramel finish.
11. Chill the cheesecake cups for at least 1–2 hours before serving so the filling can set and the flavors meld.
Notes
Use ripe but slightly firm pears so they keep their shape after sautéing.
For gluten-free cups, swap in gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
To make these dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan butter or coconut oil.
Adjust the cinnamon to taste and add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warm spice.
These cheesecake cups are best within 2 days but will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (1 cheesecake cup)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 170
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50
About This Recipe
Caramel Pear Cheesecake Cups combine tangy cream cheese filling, sautéed cinnamon pears, and a drizzle of caramel sauce into perfectly portioned dessert cups. They feel bakery-fancy but take less than 30 minutes to assemble, and chilling does all the hard work for you.
Why It Works
- Layering ensures every bite has crunch, creaminess, and soft fruit.
- No-bake filling keeps things foolproof and make-ahead friendly.
- The warm sautéed pears bring deep flavor without overpowering the cheesecake.
When to Make It
- Holiday dessert tables
- Baby and bridal showers
- Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving
- Weeknight sweet cravings
- Any time you want a dessert that looks luxurious with minimal effort
Why You’ll Love It
- Velvety texture with a warm cinnamon-pear pop
- Quick + no oven time makes it stress-free
- Perfectly portioned for parties and gifting
- Customizable with fruit or topping swaps
- Kid-friendly & crowd-approved
Key Ingredients & Notes
Graham Cracker or Vanilla Cookie Crumbs (1 cup / 120g)
This creates the buttery base that mimics a classic cheesecake crust.
Sub options: gluten-free grahams, crushed digestives, or vanilla wafers.
Melted Butter (4 Tbsp / 56g)
Helps bind the crumbs and gives rich, toasty notes.
Swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese (8 oz / 226g)
Room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
For dairy-free: use plant-based cream cheese made with cashews or coconut.
Heavy Cream (½ cup / 120ml)
Adds loft and creaminess when whipped with the cheese.
You may also use whipped topping.
Sugar (¼ cup / 50g)
Just enough sweetness to balance the tanginess.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml)
Adds warmth and rounds out the filling.
Pears (2 medium / ~300g diced)
Fresh, ripe pears sauté beautifully and hold shape.
Sub options: apples, peaches, or frozen fruit (thawed and drained).
Butter for Sautéing Pears (1 Tbsp / 14g)
Creates glossy, flavorful pears. For dairy-free, use coconut oil.
Cinnamon (½–1 tsp)
Enhances the pear’s natural sweetness.
Caramel Sauce (½ cup / 150g)
Use store-bought or homemade. A warm drizzle melts beautifully into the cheesecake.
How to Make Caramel Pear Cheesecake Cups
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs with 4 Tbsp (56g) melted butter.
- Press 2–3 tablespoons firmly into the bottom of each dessert cup.
Visual cue: It should hold together when pressed with a spoon.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz (226g) cream cheese until smooth.
- Add ¼ cup (50g) sugar and 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Pour in ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream and whip until light and silky.
Texture cue: Soft peaks and no visible lumps.
3. Cook the Cinnamon Pears
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp (14g) butter.
- Add diced pears and ½–1 tsp cinnamon.
- Cook 5–7 minutes until soft, glossy, and lightly caramelized.
Visual cue: Pears should glisten and smell fragrant with cinnamon steam.
4. Build the Cups
- Spoon cheesecake filling over the crust layer.
- Add a scoop of warm (or cooled) cinnamon pears.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously.
5. Chill & Serve
- Chill at least 1–2 hours for best texture.
- Serve cold with extra caramel drizzle.
Pro Tips for Success
- Warm your cream cheese: Cold cream cheese leaves lumps that won’t smooth out.
- Don’t skip chilling: Even 1 hour transforms the texture into classic cheesecake silkiness.
- Use ripe pears: Firmer pears will need extra minutes to soften.
- Whip gently: Overwhipping the cream can cause graininess.
- Layer neatly: Clean layers make these cups look bakery-quality.
Variations & Substitutions
Fruit Swaps
- Cinnamon apples
- Honey-roasted peaches
- Berries with a touch of lemon
Flavor Add-Ons
- Ginger in the pear mixture
- Salted caramel swirl
- Chocolate shavings on top
Dietary Options
- Gluten-Free: Use GF cookies or grahams
- Dairy-Free: Coconut cream + dairy-free cream cheese
- Lower Sugar: Use monk fruit or coconut sugar in the filling
Serving & Storage
Refrigeration
Store covered for up to 4 days. The crust stays firm and the pears remain tender.
Freezing
Freeze without pears or caramel for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then top before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed, but pears can be rewarmed if you prefer a temperature contrast.
Shelf Life
Best enjoyed within 48 hours for peak texture.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?
Absolutely. These cups are perfect for making 24 hours ahead. The flavors meld, the cheesecake sets beautifully, and the pears stay tender. Add caramel right before serving for the prettiest finish.
Can I use canned pears?
Yes – but drain them very well and reduce added sugar since canned fruit is sweeter. Sauté briefly to thicken their texture and help them blend with the cinnamon.
Can I turn this recipe into a full cheesecake?
You can. Simply double the crust and filling and use an 8-inch (20cm) pan. The texture remains no-bake, but chilling for 6 hours will help it slice cleanly.
Is this safe for kids?
Completely family-friendly. No alcohol, no heavy spices, and the sweetness is balanced. For toddlers, go lighter on caramel.
Why is my filling runny?
Often this happens when cream cheese is too warm or the filling wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling transforms the mixture from soft to sliceable.
Further Reading & Trusted Resources
Conclusion
These Caramel Pear Cheesecake Cups deliver everything you love about cheesecake-creaminess, crunch, and caramel-without touching the oven. If you try them, I’d love to hear how your cups turned out! ⭐ Leave a rating, drop a comment, and subscribe to the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more family-friendly, scroll-stopping treats.
