Description
These Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine creamy cheesecake with a sweet and spiced apple crisp topping for a delicious single-serving dessert. Featuring a graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apple chunks, and a buttery oat streusel topping, these mini cheesecakes are perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a comforting treat. Drizzled with caramel sauce for an added touch of indulgence, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 10 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
Apple Topping
- 2 medium-small apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners and preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until combined. Press about 2 tablespoons of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form the crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next components.
- Make the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter and stir until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate the streusel mixture along with the crust to keep it firm before baking.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Using a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and mix gently, just until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Assemble the cheesecakes: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled crusts in the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full and smoothing the top.
- Prepare the apple topping: In a medium bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until the apple pieces are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
- Add apple topping: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling in each cupcake liner. Gently press the apples down with the palm of your hand to set them firmly over the cheesecake layer.
- Add streusel topping: Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over each assembled cheesecake, covering the apples completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecakes are set but the centers may still be slightly jiggly. The streusel topping should be golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and chill: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then transfer them to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly until set and cold, ideally for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Remove the paper liners before serving. Drizzle each cheesecake generously with caramel sauce for a luxurious finish and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can use any variety of sweet-tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter once the egg is added to keep it light and creamy.
- For ease of removal, let the cheesecakes chill thoroughly before taking off the liners.
- Caramel sauce can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple crisp, mini cheesecakes, fall dessert, individual cheesecakes, apple dessert, streusel topping, caramel sauce
