Dreamy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy cheesecake meets classic apple crisp in a delightful marriage of flavors that promises pure comfort.

Sweet memories of autumn baking fill the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas.

Tiny individual portions make these mini desserts perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

Crunchy graham cracker crusts provide a delicious foundation for the silky cheesecake filling.

Caramelized cinnamon apples nestled on top add a rustic touch that screams seasonal indulgence.

Each bite combines smooth cream cheese with tender fruit and crisp topping for an irresistible experience.

Grab a fork and let these mini cheesecakes become your new favorite weekend treat.

Why Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Are the Ultimate Duo

• Bake Mini Delights: These mini cheesecakes are perfect for portion control, allowing you to enjoy a small, indulgent treat without overwhelming guilt. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, spiced apple, and crunchy crisp topping.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: The recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy home bakers who want a impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple steps and minimal ingredients ensure even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: These mini cheesecakes work wonderfully for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Their individual servings make them easy to serve and visually appealing, guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.
• Seasonal Comfort Dessert: Combining warm apple and cinnamon flavors with creamy cheesecake, this recipe captures the cozy essence of autumn. The crisp topping adds a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite a comforting experience.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Butter: Classic crust mixture that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake. Whole wheat graham crackers work best for deeper flavor..

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base for cheesecake with rich, tangy flavor. Full-fat version recommended for best texture..
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and slight tanginess to cheesecake filling. Room temperature helps blend smoothly..
• Egg: Binds and stabilizes the cheesecake mixture. Fresh eggs work best..

• Apples: Provides fresh, sweet fruit layer. Firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well..
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness to both apple topping and crisp layer. Dark brown sugar has more intense flavor..
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor beautifully. Fresh ground cinnamon has stronger aroma..
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright acidity to balance sweetness..

• Oats: Provides nutty texture and hearty element to topping. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best..
• Flour: Helps bind the crisp topping together. All-purpose flour recommended..

• Caramel Sauce: Rich, sweet drizzle for extra indulgence..
• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds creamy contrast..

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken apple mixture.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake FAQ Bites

• Why use graham cracker crust instead of a traditional cheesecake crust?

Graham cracker crust adds a delightful, sweet, and slightly crunchy base that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake and spiced apple topping. Its simple flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.

• Can I use different types of apples for the recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji offer sweetness. Choose apples that hold their shape well when cooked, ensuring a perfect texture in your mini cheesecakes.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Beat ingredients at room temperature and avoid overmixing. Also, bake in a gentle water bath or use low, consistent oven temperature. These techniques help create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.

• Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the apple topping?

Cornstarch helps thicken the apple mixture, preventing excess liquid and creating a more concentrated, rich apple flavor. It ensures your topping stays beautifully consistent and doesn’t make the cheesecake soggy.

Mini Cheesecake Assembly Made Simple

Step 1: Crush and Press the Crust

• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press about a tablespoon of this mixture into each cupcake liner. Pop the muffin tin into the oven preheated to 325°F and bake for 5 minutes. Let the crusts cool down completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar

• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Sour cream

Mix gently until everything is just combined. Carefully spoon the filling over the cooled crusts.

Step 3: Cook the Apple Mixture

• Chopped apples
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until apples start to soften. Create a quick thickener by mixing cornstarch with water, then stir into the apple mixture. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Create the Crispy Topping

• Rolled oats
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Melted butter

Mix until the topping becomes wonderfully crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecakes

Spoon a layer of cooked apples over each cheesecake. Sprinkle the crispy oat topping generously. Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The cheesecakes should look set and slightly golden.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Tips for Balancing Crisp and Creamy

• Customize Crust Texture: Pulse graham crackers in a food processor for a finer, more uniform base that creates a smoother foundation for your mini cheesecakes.
• Control Apple Consistency: Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent soggy or undercooked fruit in the topping.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and bake in a water bath to create a silky, crack-free surface that looks professionally made.
• Balance Sweetness Levels: Adjust brown sugar in both apple topping and crisp layer to match your preference, especially if using tart apples or wanting a less sweet dessert.
• Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs and use certified gluten-free oats to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

Storing Mini Cheesecakes Without Soggy Crusts

• Refrigerate mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
• Keep the desserts covered with plastic wrap or sealed tightly to prevent them from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• When storing, place the cheesecakes in a single layer to protect their delicate crisp topping from getting soggy or crushed.
• Freezing works wonderfully for these treats – wrap each mini cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and taste when you're ready to enjoy them later.

Top Picks to Plate with These Minis

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in a chai latte complement the cinnamon and apple flavors, creating a cozy taste experience that enhances the creamy cheesecake.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crispy apple topping, balancing the dessert's rich textures.
• Serve alongside Caramel Macchiato: The sweet, buttery notes of a caramel macchiato mirror the caramel drizzle and brown sugar in the dessert, intensifying the overall flavor profile.
• Complement with Moscato Wine: A light, sweet Moscato brings out the fruity apple notes while cutting through the cheesecake's richness, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Creative Swaps for Apple Crisp Cheesecakes

• Caramel Pecan Crunch: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed pecans and add chopped pecans to the crisp topping for extra nutty texture and rich caramel-like flavor.
• Berry Cheesecake Fusion: Swap apple topping with mixed berry compote, using strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries cooked with a touch of lemon zest for a bright, tangy profile.
• Pumpkin Spice Edition: Incorporate pumpkin puree into the cheesecake filling and replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in both apple topping and crisp layer for a cozy autumn feel.
• Tropical Coconut Dream: Add shredded coconut to the crisp topping and use mango chunks instead of apples, creating a summery, exotic version of the original mini cheesecakes.

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cheesecake meets classic apple crisp in this delightful dessert fusion. Warm spices and crumbly oat topping complement silky cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering treat perfect for autumn gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheesecake Base:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Apple Topping and Crisp Topping:

• 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a golden-hued graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Gently press the mixture into cupcake liners within a muffin tin, creating compact bases. Briefly toast in the oven until lightly set, allowing the crust to develop a delicate crispness.
2. Whip cream cheese and sugar into a velvety smooth mixture, incorporating vanilla, egg, and sour cream with delicate strokes. Carefully distribute the luxurious cheesecake batter across the prepared crusts, ensuring even coverage.
3. Transform diced apples into a luscious compote by simmering with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice. Introduce a cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture, creating a glossy, spoon-coating consistency. Allow the apple mixture to cool and settle, intensifying its rich flavors.
4. Construct a rustic crisp topping by combining rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter throughout, working the ingredients until they form delectable, crumbly clusters.
5. Layer the spiced apple compote atop each cheesecake, then generously crown with the oat-based crisp topping. Bake until the cheesecake sets and the topping turns a golden-brown, releasing tantalizing aromas.
6. After cooling completely, refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and textures to harmonize. Optionally embellish with a caramel drizzle and pillowy whipped cream before serving these miniature dessert treasures.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Create individual portion control by using precise cupcake liner measurements, making it easier to track intake.
• Elevate flavor complexity by incorporating different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for varied tartness and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg