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
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown
Base Ingredients:Dairy Components:Fruit and Spice Components:Crisp Topping Ingredients:Optional Finishing Ingredients:Thickening Agent:Apple Crisp Cheesecake FAQ Bites
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.
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.
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.
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
Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with: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
In a mixing bowl, blend together:Whip until smooth and creamy. Add:Mix gently until everything is just combined. Carefully spoon the filling over the cooled crusts.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Mixture
In a saucepan, combine: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
In a separate bowl, blend together: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
Storing Mini Cheesecakes Without Soggy Crusts
Top Picks to Plate with These Minis
Creative Swaps for Apple Crisp Cheesecakes
Print
Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
James Mitchell
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Creation and Testing, Fusion Cuisine, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Kendall College, Chicago, IL
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation.
His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.