Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portions: These mini cheesecakes are individually sized, making them ideal for serving at gatherings or as personal indulgences without the need for slicing.
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet caramel, spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping creates a symphony of flavors that epitomize comfort desserts.
- Versatility: They are suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Brown sugar
- Rolled oats
- Melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- Lemon juice
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Rolled oats
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Melted butter
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- Caramel sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, rolled oats, and melted butter until well combined. Press about a tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Bake for 5 minutes and let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Cheesecakes: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crusts, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Layer the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling.
- Add the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping over the apple layer in each muffin cup.
- Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cheesecakes for 25-30 minutes, or until the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over each mini cheesecake.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 mini cheesecakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including cooling and chilling time)
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate spices like nutmeg or allspice into the apple filling for a warmer flavor profile.
- Different Fruits: Substitute apples with pears or peaches for a seasonal variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cheesecakes on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These cheesecakes are best served chilled or at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheesecakes from cracking?
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing, which can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks.
Can I make these cheesecakes without a muffin tin?
While a muffin tin is ideal for uniformity, you can use silicone baking cups placed on a baking sheet as an alternative.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
Granny Smith apples are excellent due to their tartness and firmness, which balance the sweetness and hold up well during baking.
How long should I let the cheesecakes cool before refrigerating?
Allow them to cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 30 minutes, before transferring to the refrigerator.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well. Ensure it’s of good quality for the best flavor.
How can I tell when the cheesecakes are done baking?
The centers should be set and slightly jiggly. They will firm up as they cool.
Print
Mini Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecakes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecakes are the ultimate fall-inspired dessert, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced caramelized apples, and a crispy oat streusel topping. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and crunchy textures, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Apple Filling:
- 1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, rolled oats, and melted butter.
- Press about a tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and egg, mixing until combined.
-
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
-
Assemble the Cheesecakes:
- Spoon cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
-
Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle over the apple layer.
-
Bake:
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the centers are set.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
-
Serve:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each cheesecake before serving.
Notes
-
Add-ins: Incorporate diced pickles, chopped red onions, or bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor.
-
Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add a refreshing taste to the salad.
-
Spice: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American