You know those recipes that just light up your day? Well, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat that marries all the cozy flavors of autumn: Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes. They’re like a warm hug wrapped in a delicious little package, and the best part? You get the rich creaminess of a cheesecake, the sweet/sour crunch of apples, and the crumbly goodness of an apple crisp—all in one delightful bite!
I first made these mini cheesecakes during a fall gathering at my place a few years back and let me tell you, they were a hit! As soon as I pulled them out of the fridge, the ooohs and aaahs were practically music to my ears. It instantly became an annual tradition for me to whip these up every autumn. Can you blame me? Just picture this: warm spices, caramel goodness, and the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen. Alright, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe—you’re gonna love it!
What’s in Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This forms the base of our mini cheesecakes. I usually grab a box of store-brand graham crackers and crush them up—super easy!
Sugar: A touch of sugar in the crust and filling adds just the right amount of sweetness. I opt for regular granulated sugar here.
Unsalted Butter: The melted butter binds everything together beautifully, giving that crust a deliciously rich flavor.
Cream Cheese: The star of our cheesecake filling! Softened cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Eggs: Just two large eggs help to hold the filling together and give it that perfect silky consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to our cheesecake. You can’t go wrong with that gorgeous vanilla flavor!
Apples: Diced and mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice, they add the perfect fruity element. I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but you can use any variety you prefer.
Cinnamon: This spice is the essence of fall! It brings warmth and flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Brown Sugar: This gives our crumble topping a lovely, caramel-like richness that’s simply scrumptious.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Aside from their chewy texture, oats in the crumble topping create that classic crisp experience we all know and love.
Flour: A little all-purpose flour helps to bulk up the crumble and make it nice and crunchy.
Whipped Cream & Caramel Sauce: These are completely optional garnishes, but trust me—they take these cheesecakes to a whole new level of decadence!
Is Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Good for You?
Now let’s chat about the nutritional side of things! While these mini cheesecakes are definitely a treat, there are some good vibes coming from our ingredient choices!
Apples: They are chock-full of fiber and vitamin C. Plus, they add natural sweetness, so we can cut back a bit on added sugars.
Cinnamon: This delightful spice is known for its antioxidant properties and can even help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s a win-win if you ask me!
However, since they do contain cream cheese and sugar, it’s important to enjoy these little gems in moderation. I mean, we all deserve a good dessert, right? But maybe don’t eat a dozen in one sitting. (Trust me—I’ve tried!)
Ingredients List
– For the crust:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– For the cheesecake filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– For the apple filling:
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– For the crumble topping:
– 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Garnish (optional):
– Whipped cream
– Caramel sauce
(Serves about 12 mini cheesecakes)
How to Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes?
1. **Prepare the crust**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined muffin tin (with cupcake liners) to form a crust.
2. **Make the cheesecake filling**: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Prepare the apple filling**: In another bowl, combine the diced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
4. **Assemble mini cheesecakes**: Fill each crust with the cheesecake mixture, then add a spoonful of the apple filling on top of the cheesecake.
5. **Prepare the crumble topping**: In a separate bowl, mix the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
6. **Top with crumble**: Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over each mini cheesecake.
7. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and lightly golden.
8. **Cool**: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours.
9. **Serve**: Before serving, top each cheesecake with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Mini Cheesecakes
If you want to take these little delights to the next level, here are some fun suggestions! You can try adding a handful of nuts into your crumble topping for an extra crunch or swap out the apples for pears for a different flavor twist!
Also, I find that letting the cheesecakes sit in the fridge overnight gives them time to develop all those incredible flavors. Oh, and don’t forget—they can even be made a day in advance. Talk about a time-saver!
So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aromas of apple crisp mini cheesecakes? I hope you give this recipe a shot! I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Happy baking! 🍏🥧
