Sweet Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Dreamy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe: Tiny Bites of Joy!

Creamy cheesecake meets classic sweet apple crisp in a delightful dessert that marries two beloved treats.

Every bite bursts with rich, velvety texture and warm cinnamon notes.

The mini cheesecakes feature a buttery graham cracker crust that cradles a silky cream cheese filling.

Tender apple pieces nestled on top provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Crunchy oat streusel adds a delectable textural contrast that elevates these individual desserts.

Each mini cheesecake promises a symphony of flavors that will impress and delight.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible little indulgences.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients List For Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

For Graham Cracker Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crunchy base that provides a classic sweet foundation with a delightful texture and warm, toasty flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps bind the crust together for perfect crispness.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold its shape and adds luxurious flavor.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers creamy, smooth base with rich tangy flavor for classic cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and provides perfect sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall dessert complexity.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps create smooth, silky cheesecake consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces extra moisture and subtle tanginess to create a lighter, more tender filling.
For Apple Topping and Crisp Layer:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that brings natural sweetness and tender texture to the dessert.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel-like sweetness and helps apples caramelize beautifully.
  • Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that complements apple's natural flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, fresh acidic note.
  • Cornstarch: Creates smooth, glossy thickening agent for apple mixture.
  • Oats: Adds hearty, rustic texture and nutty undertone to crisp topping.
  • Flour: Helps bind crisp topping ingredients and creates golden, crumbly texture.
  • Butter

Tools Needed For Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfectly portioned mini cheesecakes.
  • Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving super easy.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for creating smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized for preparing crust, filling, and crisp topping.
  • Small Saucepan: For cooking and softening apple mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.
  • Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread toppings evenly.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients and mixing cornstarch.

Directions To Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Craft the Base

Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter, creating a delightful foundation. Press the mixture firmly into cupcake liners, forming a crisp, golden base. Quickly bake to set the crust and enhance its rich flavor.

  • Whip the Creamy Center

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating egg and vanilla. Gently fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious, velvety filling. Pour this dreamy mixture over the prepared crust with care.

  • Cook the Apple Essence

Sauté diced apples with warming spices in a skillet. Let the fruits caramelize and soften, releasing their natural sweetness. Thicken the mixture with a touch of cornstarch, creating a luscious apple compote.

  • Create the Crunchy Crown

Mix oats, flour, and brown sugar to develop a rustic, crumbly topping. Drizzle melted butter to bind the ingredients, forming a tantalizingly crisp layer.

  • Layer and Bake

Generously spoon apple mixture over each cheesecake. Sprinkle the crisp topping, ensuring complete coverage. Bake until the centers are perfectly set and edges turn golden.

  • Serve with Flair

Chill the mini cheesecakes to allow flavors to meld. Optional: Drizzle with caramel and add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips To Change Up Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Perfect Crust Control: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
  • No-Crack Cheesecake Secret: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently fold ingredients to prevent air bubbles that can cause surface cracks during baking.
  • Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making party planning a breeze.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based milk for a delicious vegan-friendly dessert that doesn't compromise on flavor.

How To Serve Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Sweet Morning Breakfast: Pair these mini cheesecakes with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that elevates your breakfast experience.
  • Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange these mini cheesecakes on a beautiful serving tray with fresh mint leaves, extra caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a stunning presentation at dinner parties.
  • Seasonal Gathering Centerpiece: Create a dessert buffet featuring these apple crisp mini cheesecakes alongside other bite-sized desserts like pumpkin spice truffles or cinnamon roll cookies to wow your guests during fall gatherings.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these mini cheesecakes as part of an elegant afternoon tea spread, complementing them with light sandwiches and other petite desserts for a sophisticated treat.

Storage Info For Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain their creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crust and cheesecake base one day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator, then add apple topping and crisp layer just before baking to keep everything fresh and crisp.
  • Portion Control Trick: These mini desserts are perfect for meal prepping. Separate each cheesecake with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and make grab-and-go snacking easier.
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Sweet Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Sweet Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful apple crisp mini cheesecakes blend creamy richness with classic fall flavors. Crisp graham cracker base and warm cinnamon-spiced apples create a perfect dessert you’ll savor with pure autumn comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • Caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Merge graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into cupcake liners within a muffin tin. Toast briefly in the oven at 350°F until lightly set, developing a delicate golden crispness.
  2. Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese and sugar into a silky blend, gently folding in vanilla, egg, and sour cream. Distribute the velvety batter evenly across prepared crusts, ensuring smooth coverage.
  3. Apple Compote Creation: Simmer diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender. Thicken with cornstarch slurry, creating a glossy, rich mixture. Cool to intensify flavors and allow sauce to set.
  4. Crisp Topping Assembly: Combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Incorporate melted butter to form crumbly, textured clusters that will provide a rustic crunch.
  5. Final Composition: Layer spiced apple compote over each cheesecake, generously topping with oat-based crisp mixture. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until cheesecake sets and topping turns golden-brown, releasing enticing aromas.
  6. Finishing Touch: Cool completely, then refrigerate to harmonize flavors. Optionally embellish with caramel drizzle and whipped cream before serving these miniature dessert delights.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Briefly toast graham cracker base before adding cheesecake filling to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Control Apple Moisture: Pat diced apples dry with paper towels to reduce excess liquid, ensuring a thick and glossy apple compote without watery consistency.
  • Achieve Smooth Cheesecake: Use room temperature cream cheese and mix at low speed to prevent air bubbles, creating a silky, crack-free cheesecake texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives, use dairy-free cream cheese, or replace butter with coconut oil for various dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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