Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine two classic dessert favorites—apple crisp and cheesecake—into a single, irresistible treat. The creamy, tangy cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple topping, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped off with a crumble and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these mini cheesecakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or just as a special dessert for yourself, these little bites of heaven are sure to impress.

This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a single, easy-to-make dessert. Each bite offers a rich, indulgent experience with layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and the comforting crunch of an apple crisp topping. These mini cheesecakes are also great for portion control, making them an ideal choice for a crowd. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free dessert that’s ready when you need it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Portion-Controlled – These mini cheesecakes are individually sized, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
2. Two Favorites in One – Apple crisp and cheesecake come together in this delicious fusion dessert.
3. Seasonally Inspired – With the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple, it’s the perfect dessert for fall.
4. Great for Make-Ahead – You can prepare these cheesecakes in advance, saving time on the day of serving.
5. Crowd-Pleasing – These mini cheesecakes are ideal for parties, gatherings, or any event where you need a shareable treat.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the Crumb Topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Light brown sugar
• Quick-cooking oats
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples (peeled and chopped finely)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Light brown sugar
• Cornstarch

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• All-purpose flour
• Egg

For Serving:

• Caramel sauce

Variations

• Crust Options: If you prefer a different crust, you can use digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even granola for a different texture and flavor.
• Fruit Substitutes: While apples are the star in this recipe, you could easily swap them for pears, peaches, or even mixed berries for a twist on the classic apple crisp flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese and the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
• Spiced Apple Filling: Add more spices to the apple filling, such as cloves or allspice, to intensify the warmth of the flavors.
• No-Crust Version: For a lower-carb or gluten-free alternative, you can skip the graham cracker crust and make a “crustless” mini cheesecake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are coated in butter and the mixture starts to hold together when pressed. Divide evenly among muffin tins lined with paper cupcake liners, pressing the mixture into the bottoms to form a firm crust. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms clumps. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine chopped apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, flour, and egg, and mix until well combined. Be sure not to overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly on top of the graham cracker crusts in each muffin tin, filling each about 3/4 full. Top the cheesecake filling with the apple mixture, followed by a spoonful of the crumble topping.

Step 6: Bake the Mini Cheesecakes

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. The center should still jiggle slightly when gently shaken. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled and set, remove the cheesecakes from the muffin tin and place them on serving plates. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps the texture set properly.
• Check for Doneness: To test if the cheesecakes are done, gently tap the side of the pan. The filling should be firm and the top should be lightly golden.
• Use Paper Liners: Using paper cupcake liners helps to easily remove the cheesecakes from the pan without sticking.

How to Serve

Serve these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes as a delightful dessert after a cozy dinner or as a treat for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall celebration. For extra indulgence, top each cheesecake with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the cheesecakes will still taste delicious.

Freezing

These mini cheesecakes freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, reheat individual cheesecakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as the texture may become too soft.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for drizzling over these mini cheesecakes. However, homemade caramel will add an extra touch of richness.

2. Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.

3. Can I prepare these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mini cheesecakes can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.

4. Can I substitute the apples for other fruits?

Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different take on this dessert.

5. Can I make these mini cheesecakes without the crumble topping?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the crumble topping and just stick with the graham cracker crust and apple filling for a simpler version.

6. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese if you need a non-dairy version of this recipe.

7. How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar in the cheesecake filling and apple filling. You can also omit the caramel drizzle.

8. Can I make these mini cheesecakes in a larger pan?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a 9-inch springform pan, though you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly (about 40-45 minutes).

9. Can I make the apple filling without cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or just omit it, though the filling may be a bit runnier.

10. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Be sure not to overmix the cheesecake filling, and avoid overbaking. If the edges start to brown too much, cover the pan loosely with foil.

Conclusion

These Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect blend of rich, creamy cheesecake and warm, spiced apple crisp. With their individual servings, they’re ideal for any gathering, big or small. The addition of the crumble topping and caramel sauce adds an irresistible touch, making these mini cheesecakes a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for the holidays or just want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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