Name: Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 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 and 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 medium-small apples, peeled and finely chopped; 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 10 oz. cream cheese, softened; 6 Tablespoons sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 1 egg; Caramel sauce

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 73 reviews

If you love the cozy flavors of fall and adore bite-sized treats, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe. These little delights pack all the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of apple crisp balanced with rich, creamy cheesecake in one perfect, handheld dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or simply treating yourself, each mini cheesecake delivers a comforting crunch, sweet-tart apple filling, and luscious cream cheese center that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step recipe process laid out in a vertical collage on a white marbled surface. The top row includes two clear glass bowls: one filled with a sandy graham cracker crumb mixture with sugar and cinnamon, and next to it a small white bowl with melted yellow butter and a spoon. The bowl with crumbs is mixed, then pressed evenly into six white paper cupcake liners arranged in a metal muffin tin. Below, a clear glass bowl holds white creamy mixture with sugar and vanilla, and that smooth batter is spooned into the muffin liners, atop the crumb base. Next, two metal bowls contain diced apples mixed with dry ingredients and then coated in spices, stirred with a fork. The apple mixture is added in equal portions to fill each cupcake liner, covering the smooth batter. In the next step, a clear glass bowl contains a crumb topping mix with oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter, which is then mixed with a fork until crumbly. This topping is sprinkled thickly over the apple-filled cupcake liners in the tin. The whole setup shows layers of crumb base, creamy batter, spiced apples, and crumb topping inside white paper liners in the metal pan, ready for baking. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Every component, from the crumbly graham cracker crust to the spiced apple filling, plays a vital role in making this dessert a showstopper.

Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a crunchy, subtly sweet base with a hint of cinnamon for warmth.
Sugar: Used in both crust and filling to balance tartness and bring out caramel notes.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential spices that evoke that classic autumnal apple crisp flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind crust and crumb topping to perfection.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crumb topping and cheesecake filling for the ideal texture.
Quick-cooking oats: Offer a wonderful chewy contrast in the crumb topping.
Apples: Peeled and finely chopped, they bring fresh fruitiness and natural sweetness.
Lemon juice: Helps apples maintain their brightness and prevents browning.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling for a perfect consistency.
Cream cheese: The creamy heart of each mini cheesecake, making it irresistibly smooth.
Egg: Binds the filling so it sets just right without cracking.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle fragrant warmth to the cheesecake layer.
Caramel sauce: Optional but highly recommended for drizzling at serving to amp up decadence.

How to Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until every crumb is coated and can easily press together. Spoon almost two tablespoons of this mixture into each paper liner of a cupcake pan and press firmly to create a sturdy base. Chill them in the fridge while you prepare the other components to ensure a nice, crisp crust when baked.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, light brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add in the melted butter and mix until coarse crumbs form with varying sizes for that perfect textured topping. Pop this in the fridge for later; chilling helps keep the crumbs from melting too quickly during baking, creating a delightful crunch atop each mini cheesecake.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and flour until wonderfully smooth and creamy. Add the egg and mix just until incorporated; overbeating can introduce air that causes cracking, so gentle is best. This luscious filling will be the velvety counterpoint to the crisp crust and fruity topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecakes

Spoon the cheesecake batter over the chilled crusts, filling each liner about two-thirds full to leave room for the apple layer. Toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice to keep their color fresh, then stir in the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pile the spiced apples on top of the cheesecake layer, nearly filling the cups to the brim. Gently press the apples down with your palm to create a compact layer that bakes evenly.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of the chilled cinnamon oat crumb topping over the apples in each cup. Bake the mini cheesecakes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 28 to 30 minutes until the cheesecake is set, the apples are bubbly, and the crumb topping is golden and crisp. Let them cool for 30 minutes in the pan before transferring to the fridge to chill fully.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a small dessert with four clear layers. The bottom layer is dense and crumbly, light brown with a rough texture. Above it is a thick, smooth pale yellow layer that looks creamy. On top of that is a crumbly light brown layer with small chunks, giving a crunchy look. The dessert is finished with a soft, white whipped topping drizzled with golden caramel sauce. It sits on a white marbled surface with blurred green apples in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Drizzling warm caramel sauce over these mini cheesecakes right before serving takes the indulgence to the next level. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or add a small dollop of whipped cream for a delightful presentation and added creaminess that complements the tart apples beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these mini cheesecakes alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a mug of freshly brewed coffee. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a light glass of dessert wine if you want to make your dessert time special and elevated.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves for a festive touch. You can also remove the paper liners and place each cheesecake in a small glass jar or clear dessert cup for a charming, elegant look perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Their flavors meld and deepen with time, making them actually taste better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, these cheesecakes freeze beautifully. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To revive their warm, freshly baked sensation, heat them gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the cheesecake.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any favorite apple variety like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for more sweetness. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly if your apples are very sweet or tart to balance flavors perfectly.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?

No worries! You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even ginger snaps for a spicier twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly since some cookies are sweeter than others.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might be a bit different but still delicious. Choose softened dairy-free sticks for best results when mixing.

Is it necessary to use the crumb topping?

The crumb topping is what gives the dish that classic apple crisp texture on top, so it’s highly recommended. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it and just bake the apples over the cheesecake filling, but you’ll miss out on that crunchy contrast.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Be careful not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the egg, and bake at the suggested temperature. Also, letting the cheesecakes cool slowly in the pan helps reduce cracking. Chilling fully before serving gives the best texture and appearance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so gratifying about a dessert that blends sweet, spiced apples with creamy cheesecake and crisp, buttery crumbs all in a neat little package. This Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe is a personal favorite for cozy get-togethers or whenever I want a comforting treat that feels special yet fuss-free. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do. Once you try them, I bet they’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation too!