Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love cheesecake? And when you add the goodness of apples and a crumbly crust, it’s like a cherry on top! Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes blend the lusciousness of creamy cheesecake and the cozy flavors of apple crisp.

These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion—dinner parties, holidays, or even just an afternoon snack when you need a little pick-me-up. Honestly, who can resist something that’s both cute and delicious? 😋

How to Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Making these mini cheesecakes is easier than you might think! Seriously, you’ll feel like a professional baker in no time. Here’s a quick rundown:

Prep the Cupcake Pan: Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners.
Crust Time: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter, press it into the liners, and pop it in the fridge.
Streusel Topping: Mix flour, oats, and spices. Add melted butter until crumbly, and refrigerate.
Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and flour together; toss in an egg.
Layer It Up: Fill your crust with cheesecake batter, then top with the apple mixture, and finish with the streusel.
Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake!

See? Easy peasy! 🍏

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to gather for these little bites of heaven:

Crust:
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 10 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
Apple Topping:
- 2 medium-small apples, peeled and chopped finely
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce (because why not? 😍)

Directions

Ready, set, bake! Here’s how to whip up those mini cheesecakes:

Line It Up: Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners.
Preheat: Set your oven to 325°F.
Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and sugar. Add in the melted butter and mix well.
Press & Chill: Press about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each liner and refrigerate.
Prepare Streusel: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add melted butter until you get coarse crumbs. Refrigerate this too.
Beat It: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and flour. Mix in the egg gently.
Fill It Up: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crusts, filling them about two-thirds full.
Apple Magic: Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your hands if you want to add a personal touch.
Layer: Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake filling, gently pressing down with your palm.
Sprinkle: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cheesecake.
Bake Away: Bake for 28-30 minutes until the edges are set.
Chill Out: Let them cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate. Serve drizzled with caramel sauce!

How to Serve Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

These mini cheesecakes shine when served chilled. Drizzle some caramel sauce on top because, let’s be real, everything’s better with caramel. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.

Serving them up at a party? Prepare for some enthusiastic “YUMS” around the room! 🎉

How to Store Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Got leftovers (or planning ahead for guests)? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3-5 days. Just add the caramel sauce when you’re ready to enjoy again. Freeze them for even longer storage, but be sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Soften Your Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Nobody likes a lumpy cheesecake!
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter version, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the filling or topping.
Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples. Some may be sweet, while others might be tart. Choose your own adventure! 🍏✨

Variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch, or mix in vanilla extract into the apple mixture for a different flavor profile. You can also swap out apples for pears or peaches for a seasonal twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of crust?
Absolutely! You can use cookie crumbs or even a gluten-free alternative if you’re looking for different flavors or dietary accommodations.

2. Can I make these ahead?
Definitely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option, try a vegan cream cheese substitute. Just be cautious about the texture, as it can differ from traditional cream cheese.

Try these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering! Don’t forget to save a few for yourself! 🍰💖