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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/apple-crisp-mini-cheesecakes-recipe/