Description
These Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with a sweet and spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat crisp topping. Perfectly portioned in a muffin tin, they make an irresistible dessert that blends the flavors of warm autumn spices with the richness of cheesecake in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Crisp Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Base: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup to form an even crust layer.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crusts in the muffin tin. Carefully add a spoonful of the cooled apple mixture on top of each cheesecake filling layer.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a small bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crisp topping evenly over each mini cheesecake’s apple layer.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set around the edges and the crisp topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Chill and Serve: Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to fully set. When ready to serve, carefully remove from the muffin tin and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture in the filling.
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to keep a smooth texture.
- The mini size is perfect for individual servings and parties.
- Refrigeration overnight will improve flavor and texture further.