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Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

4.5 from 115 reviews

These Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine creamy cheesecake filling with a spiced apple topping and a crunchy streusel, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly portioned in a cupcake pan, they make an elegant dessert that blends classic apple crisp flavors with rich cheesecake decadence, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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 extract
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg

Apple Topping

  • 2 medium-small apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and make removal easier. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature.
  2. Make the Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press about 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form an even crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other components.
  3. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, light brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in the melted butter and mix until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate the streusel topping to keep it cold before baking, which helps maintain its crumbly texture.
  4. Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing well to combine. Add the egg and mix just until incorporated, taking care not to overmix which could cause cracks during baking.
  5. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled crusts, filling each about two-thirds full to leave room for the apple topping and streusel.
  6. Prepare Apple Topping: Toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice, light brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. This mixture will provide the signature apple crisp flavor and help keep the apples tender but not mushy.
  7. Add Apples to Cheesecake: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in each liner. Gently press down with your palm to slightly compact the filling, ensuring it stays in place and bakes evenly.
  8. Top with Streusel: Generously sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over each mini cheesecake, covering the apple layer completely to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecakes are set but the center slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan. This ensures a creamy texture inside.
  10. Cool and Chill: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the cheesecake before serving.
  11. Serve: Remove the mini cheesecakes from the liners and serve drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling with no lumps.
  • Make sure to peel and finely chop apples to ensure even cooking and texture in each bite.
  • Chilling the crust and streusel before baking helps maintain crispness.
  • Feel free to swap apples for pears or peaches for a different twist on this dessert.
  • These mini cheesecakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.

Keywords: apple crisp, mini cheesecakes, dessert, baked cheesecake, apple dessert, streusel topping, caramel sauce