Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat! Imagine a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling with the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apples, all sitting atop a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust. To top it off, a crisp streusel topping adds the perfect crunch, making every bite an unforgettable experience. These mini cheesecakes are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting, decadent dessert. They’re individual-sized, making them easy to serve and perfect for portion control—though you may find it hard to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Fall Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples is a perfect match for cozy autumn vibes.
2. Mini Size: These individual cheesecakes are easy to serve and enjoy, making them ideal for parties or as a fun treat to enjoy throughout the week.
3. Crispy Topping: The streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch to the smooth, creamy cheesecake base, providing a lovely textural contrast.
4. Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, these cheesecakes come together quickly and easily, even for beginner bakers.
5. Customizable: You can swap the apples for pears, berries, or any fruit of your choice, making it easy to adapt this recipe for different seasons.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use a firm apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Variations

• Other Fruits: Swap out apples for pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Streusel: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecakes before serving for extra sweetness and richness.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple filling for a spiced-up flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Spoon about one tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup and press it down firmly to create an even base. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecakes

Once the crusts have cooled slightly, spoon the cheesecake filling over the crusts, dividing it evenly among the muffin cups. Smooth the tops with a spatula to make an even layer. Bake the cheesecakes for 18-22 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to firm up.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Topping

While the cheesecakes are cooling, heat a small skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, top each one with a spoonful of the caramelized apples, followed by a sprinkle of the streusel topping. If desired, drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Cheesecakes: For the best texture, allow the cheesecakes to chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to let them fully set.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
• Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the cheesecakes. They should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
• Let the Streusel Cool: Make sure the streusel is cool before adding it to the cheesecakes to avoid it becoming soggy.

How to Serve

• As a Dessert for a Crowd: These mini cheesecakes are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. Their individual size makes them easy to serve to a crowd.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Serve these cheesecakes as a sweet treat with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy, indulgent dessert.
• For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or other special event, these cheesecakes are sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, and they may even taste better the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze these mini cheesecakes, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cheesecakes to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

These cheesecakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought crust for these mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought mini graham cracker crusts for the homemade version. Just be sure to skip the crust-baking step.

2. Can I use a different fruit for the topping?

Yes! Feel free to use pears, peaches, or berries in place of the apples for a different twist on this recipe.

3. Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

4. Can I make these cheesecakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or use gluten-free cookies to make the crust.

5. Can I freeze the mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecakes before adding the toppings. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge before adding the toppings.

6. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese?

Yes, you can use non-dairy cream cheese if you want to make these cheesecakes dairy-free.

7. How do I prevent the cheesecakes from cracking?

To prevent cracking, be careful not to overbake them. They should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven, and they will firm up as they cool.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar for the crust?

You can substitute the granulated sugar in the crust with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if desired.

9. How many mini cheesecakes does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 12 mini cheesecakes, but you can double or halve the recipe as needed for different serving sizes.

10. Can I skip the streusel topping?

While the streusel topping adds a lovely crunch, you can skip it and just use the apples for a simpler version of this dessert.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are a delightful and delicious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of apple crisp. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, sweet caramelized apples, and a crunchy streusel topping, these mini cheesecakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect treat to celebrate the fall season or any special occasion!

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