Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are a mouthwatering dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of apple crisp. These little individual treats offer the best of both worlds: a smooth and decadent cheesecake filling, a layer of sweet, spiced apple topping, and a crisp crumble that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re craving a fall-inspired dessert or simply want to indulge in something sweet, these mini cheesecakes will satisfy your taste buds and leave you coming back for more.
With every bite, you’ll enjoy the soft, creamy texture of the cheesecake paired with the warm cinnamon-sugar apples, making these mini cheesecakes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, the crisp topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. These cheesecakes are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. Easy to make and wonderfully delicious, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Classic Desserts in One: You get the best of both worlds with these mini cheesecakes—apple crisp and cheesecake, combining the creamy and the crunchy in every bite.
- Perfect for Fall and Beyond: The spiced apples bring out a cozy, autumnal vibe, making these cheesecakes perfect for the fall season, but they’re delightful any time of year.
- Individually Sized: These mini cheesecakes are the perfect portion size for parties and gatherings. No need to worry about cutting or serving; they’re grab-and-go!
- Customizable Topping: You can adjust the spice level or use different fruit toppings, making this dessert versatile and adaptable to your preferences.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these mini cheesecakes are a breeze to prepare, even for beginners.
Ingredients
- Crust: Graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar
- Filling: Cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar
- Topping: Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, oats, flour, butter
Variations
- Berry Crisp Cheesecake: Swap the apples for berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple topping for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: For a fall-inspired twist, add pumpkin puree and spices to the cheesecake filling for a pumpkin flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well-coated. Spoon the mixture into the bottom of mini cheesecake pans or muffin tins, pressing it down firmly to create a crust.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping
Peel and dice the apples, then sauté them with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in oats and flour to create a crumble texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes
Spoon a layer of the cheesecake filling onto each graham cracker crust. Top with the spiced apples and crumble mixture, pressing it down gently.
Step 5: Bake
Place the mini cheesecakes in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and slightly golden on top. Allow them to cool completely.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors set and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients: To avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix: When mixing the cheesecake filling, be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the texture to become too loose.
- Let them cool completely: Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely before refrigerating them. This helps maintain the structure and texture.
- Serve with caramel sauce: For added sweetness and flavor, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.
How to Serve
These mini cheesecakes are best served chilled straight from the refrigerator. For an extra special touch, top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the topping separate if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these mini cheesecakes for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
These cheesecakes are best served chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
- Can I use a store-bought crust? Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust if you want to save time.
- What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream to add a slightly tangy flavor.
- Can I make these without the crumble topping? Yes, you can skip the crumble topping, though it adds a delicious texture. You can also use a different fruit topping.
- How can I make the cheesecake more flavorful? You can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.
- Can I use a different fruit instead of apples? Yes, pears, berries, or even peaches would work beautifully in this recipe.
- Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make them the day before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- How many mini cheesecakes does this recipe make? This recipe typically makes about 12-16 mini cheesecakes, depending on the size of your pans.
- Can I add nuts to the crust? Yes, crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the graham cracker crust for added flavor and texture.
- Can I make these without eggs? Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer if you want to make these vegan.
- How can I prevent the cheesecakes from cracking? Avoid overmixing the filling and make sure the cheesecakes are fully cooled before refrigerating them to help prevent cracks.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are a delectable treat that perfectly combines the richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced goodness of apple crisp. They are the ultimate dessert for any occasion, offering a wonderful blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. Whether you enjoy them as a fall-inspired dessert or a year-round favorite, these mini cheesecakes will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. With their individual portions and customizable topping options, they’re sure to please everyone at your next gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, bite-sized treat that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
PrintApple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling and refrigeration time)
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of spiced apples and a buttery crumble topping. Perfectly portioned and irresistibly delicious, they’re a great dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a cozy treat!
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Base:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1/4 cup brown sugar
For the Apple Filling:
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2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
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1 tablespoon butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
For the Crisp Topping:
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1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
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1/4 cup flour
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Prepare the Cheesecake Base: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of each muffin tin to form a crust.
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Make the Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and caramelize slightly. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just combined.
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Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crusts in the muffin tin. Then add a spoonful of the apple mixture on top of each cheesecake.
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Make the Crisp Topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the apple filling.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and the topping is golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Serve: Remove from muffin tin and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
If you prefer a smoother apple filling, you can cook the apples longer or mash them slightly.
You can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs or crush your own.
These mini cheesecakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American