Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Introduction

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine the best of autumn flavors in a delightful individual dessert. With layers of creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, these treats are perfect for any occasion. They’re elegant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled and diced (about ¼ inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons cold melted butter (for streusel)
• Caramel sauce and whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat again until fully combined. Mix in vanilla extract and flour.
4. Step 4: Add the egg to the cream cheese mixture and gently beat just until combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Divide half of the cheesecake batter evenly among the liners, spoon apple mixture over the batter, then gently press the apples down with your palm. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter, smoothing the tops.
7. Step 7: Prepare the streusel by mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in cold melted butter until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle generously over the cheesecakes.
8. Step 8: Bake for 28-30 minutes, until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly. Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
9. Step 9: Serve chilled, drizzled with caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use Golden Delicious apples for the best flavor and texture; if using tart apples like Granny Smith, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the apple mixture.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Try folding mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter or drizzle with melted chocolate instead of caramel for a chocolate twist.
• Include a pinch of cardamom in the apple mixture for a unique aromatic note.
• Make the streusel ahead and keep it chilled to ensure crisp, defined clusters on top.

Storage

Store these cheesecakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 weeks; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor and texture before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes in regular-sized pans?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a 9-inch springform pan or a 9×13 baking dish. Bake at 325°F for 45-50 minutes. Individual portions are great for entertaining, but the larger form is perfect for family meals.

How far in advance can I make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes?

You can make them up to 3 days ahead and keep them refrigerated. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 weeks.

Why did my Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes crack on top?

Cracks often result from overmixing the batter, especially after adding the egg, or baking at too high a temperature. Mix just until combined and bake at 325°F to avoid this.

Can I use a different type of apple in my Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes?

Absolutely. Golden Delicious is preferred for balance, but Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work too with sugar adjustments. Avoid very soft varieties like Red Delicious as they may become mushy.

Do Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese, refrigerate these desserts. They keep well for up to 5 days when covered.

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 95 reviews

These Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine a creamy, silky cheesecake layer with tender spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for fall gatherings and make-ahead desserts, each mini cheesecake is a delightful bite-sized treat showcasing the harmony of sweet Golden Delicious apples, aromatic spices, and rich cream cheese in a crisp graham cracker crust.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Graham Cracker Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Apple Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups diced Golden Delicious apples (about 1/4-inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Optional Serving

• Warm caramel sauce
• Freshly whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each paper-lined muffin cup. Chill the crust while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and flour, beating until just combined. Crack in the egg and mix gently until fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix to avoid cracks during baking.
3. Prepare the apple mixture: Toss diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Mix in cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. This will keep excess moisture in check and add warm autumn flavors.
4. Assemble the cheesecakes: Spoon about one tablespoon of the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in each cup. Then distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, gently pressing down with your palm to nestle the apples securely. Top with remaining cheesecake mixture to cover apples if needed.
5. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and toss to form coarse crumbs. Chill the streusel before topping the cheesecakes.
6. Add streusel and bake: Generously sprinkle the chilled streusel over each mini cheesecake. Bake in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for 28-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers slightly jiggle when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to prevent dry texture.
7. Cool and chill: Allow cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 30 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly cooled and flavors melded.
8. Serve: Optionally drizzle each cheesecake with warm caramel sauce, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and dust with a light sprinkle of cinnamon before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese and egg for smooth batter and to prevent cracks.
• Dicing apples into 1/4-inch pieces ensures they soften but maintain texture during baking.
• Toss apples with lemon juice and cornstarch to avoid browning and soggy crusts.
• Chilled streusel topping creates distinct golden clusters rather than melting away.
• Do not overmix cheesecake batter after adding the egg to prevent cracking.
• Bake at 325°F for even cooking and optimal texture; centers should still jiggle slightly when done.
• Make ahead up to 3 days and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 3 weeks.
• Golden Delicious apples are preferred for balanced sweetness and structure; adjust sugar for other varieties.
• Serve chilled at room temperature for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
• Variations include adding nuts to streusel, cardamom to apples, or chocolate chips to filling.

Keywords: Apple crisp, mini cheesecakes, fall dessert, apple dessert, streusel topping, mini cheesecakes, autumn baking, Golden Delicious apples