Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Cozy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe For Sweet Tooth Joy

Creamy cheesecake meets classic apple crisp in a delightful dessert that captures autumn’s magic.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen as you blend smooth cream cheese with caramelized apple chunks.

Crunchy graham cracker crusts provide the perfect textural contrast to silky filling.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance throughout each miniature treat.

Compact individual portions make these little delights perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

Baked until golden and fragrant, these mini cheesecakes promise a decadent experience that celebrates seasonal flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite.

Perfect Pairings for Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Select a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet apple and cinnamon notes. These white wines balance the cheesecake's creamy texture with their light, refreshing acidity.
  • Serve alongside a small glass of bourbon or apple brandy to enhance the dessert's warm spices. The alcohol's rich caramel undertones perfectly match the apple crisp elements.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a temperature contrast. The cold, smooth ice cream beautifully offsets the warm, crumbly cheesecake topping.
  • Offer a hot chai tea or spiced apple cider to mirror the dessert's cinnamon and apple flavors. These warm drinks provide a cozy, comforting accompaniment that highlights the cheesecake's seasonal charm.

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes with a Twist

  • Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free oats for the crisp topping.
  • Vegan Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use flax egg instead of regular egg. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Choose tart apples to reduce overall sweetness. Replace caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes: Use almond flour for crust. Replace sugar with erythritol. Swap graham crackers with crushed pecans. Use heavy cream instead of sour cream.

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Just ensure the fruit is diced and cooked down similarly to maintain the right moisture and texture.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter, use room temperature ingredients, and bake in a water bath. Additionally, don’t overbake- remove from oven when the center is slightly jiggly.

  • Is it necessary to use a muffin tin with liners?

Yes, cupcake liners make removing the mini cheesecakes easier and help maintain their shape. Without liners, the cheesecakes might stick to the pan and break when removing.

  • Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

These mini cheesecakes can be prepared 2-3 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, and add the crisp topping just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.

What Makes Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes So Special

  • Blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of classic apple crisp for an irresistible treat.
  • Individual-sized servings make these mini desserts ideal for parties, gatherings, or satisfying sweet cravings without overindulging.
  • Prepare these delightful cheesecakes in advance and store in the refrigerator, making them a stress-free dessert for busy hosts.

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Ingredient List

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
  • Unsalted Butter, Melted: Helps bind the crust ingredients together.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The main component creating a smooth and rich cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Large Egg: Helps set and bind the cheesecake filling.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tangy flavor.
Fruit and Topping Ingredients:
  • Apples, Peeled and Diced: Fresh fruit component with natural sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness for the apple mixture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice to the apple topping.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright note.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture.
  • Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch.
  • Rolled Oats: Creates a crunchy, textured topping.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crumbly crisp topping.
  • Caramel Sauce: Optional finishing touch for extra indulgence.
  • Whipped Cream: Optional garnish for serving.

How to Bake Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Step 1: Crush and Create Crust

Preheat oven to 325 Fahrenheit. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners. Combine graham cracker crumbs with ingredients:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Press mixture into each liner, creating a compact base. Bake for 5 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth. Mix in:
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg
  • Sour cream

Gently fold ingredients until just combined. Distribute evenly over prepared crusts.

Step 3: Cook Apple Mixture

Simmer apple chunks in saucepan with:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Lemon juice

Cook for 3-4 minutes until apples soften. Create thickening agent by combining cornstarch with water. Stir into apple mixture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Craft Crispy Topping

Combine dry and wet ingredients to create crumbly texture:
  • Rolled oats
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Mix until perfect crumbly consistency is achieved.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Spoon cooked apple mixture over each cheesecake base. Sprinkle crisp topping generously. Bake for 18-20 minutes until cheesecakes set perfectly.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Allow cheesecakes to cool completely. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours. Optional elegant touches:
  • Caramel sauce drizzle
  • Whipped cream dollop

Serve chilled and enjoy delightful mini desserts!

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Tips You Should Know

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Bake the graham cracker base for 5 minutes before adding cheesecake filling to create a crisp, sturdy foundation that won't get mushy.
  • Control Apple Moisture: Cook apples briefly and drain excess liquid to prevent watery topping and maintain a thick, rich apple layer in the mini cheesecakes.
  • Achieve Smooth Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth, scraping bowl sides to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy texture.
  • Master Crisp Topping: Use cold melted butter and mix ingredients until just crumbly to ensure a crunchy, textured topping that doesn't become dense or hard.
  • Chill for Perfect Setting: Refrigerate mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to allow complete cooling and help filling set properly, enhancing flavor and texture.

How to Store Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Safely

  • Store Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cheesecakes flat to maintain their structure and prevent topping from sliding.
  • Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Gently warm individual cheesecakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheesecake from becoming rubbery or losing its creamy texture.
  • Enjoy these mini cheesecakes chilled for the best flavor and texture. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
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Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

Description

Creamy New York-style cheesecake meets classic apple crisp in this delightful dessert fusion. Crunchy cinnamon-spiced streusel topping crowns silky cream cheese filling, offering pure autumn comfort in each perfectly portioned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 egg

Crust Ingredients:

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

Topping and Additional Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 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

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin, creating a foundation for the mini cheesecakes.
  2. Craft the graham cracker base by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly combined, ensuring a cohesive texture.
  3. Compress approximately one tablespoon of the crust mixture into each liner, creating a compact foundation.
  4. Briefly toast the crusts for 5 minutes, allowing them to set and develop a golden hue, then allow to cool completely.
  5. Whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
  6. Gently incorporate vanilla, egg, and sour cream into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until just integrated to maintain a smooth texture.
  7. Delicately distribute the cheesecake filling across the prepared crusts, ensuring even coverage.
  8. Create the apple compote by simmering diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice over medium heat until softened and fragrant.
  9. Thicken the apple mixture by stirring in a cornstarch slurry, allowing the sauce to develop a glossy, rich consistency.
  10. Remove the apple mixture from heat and permit slight cooling to concentrate flavors.
  11. Construct the crisp topping by combining oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until achieving a crumbly, textured mixture.
  12. Layer the prepared apple compote atop each cheesecake with precision.
  13. Generously sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  14. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheesecakes set and develop a slight golden edge.
  15. Allow complete cooling at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator for minimum 2-hour chilling.
  16. Optional: Embellish with caramel drizzle and dollop of whipped cream before serving to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Adjust graham cracker crust texture by adding more butter for a firmer base or less for a crumblier consistency.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing and using room temperature ingredients for smooth incorporation.
  • Control apple topping sweetness by selecting tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for balanced flavor profile.
  • Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free graham crackers, dairy-free cream cheese, or replace egg with applesauce for vegan adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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