Introducing the Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes, a delightful fusion of sweet apples, creamy cheesecake, and a hint of caramel. I adore how the gingersnap crust complements the rich filling, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavors.
If you’re like me and have a soft spot for caramel-infused treats, you might also enjoy these recipes: a no-fuss Caramel Pecan No-Bake Cheesecake, the indulgent Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, or the delightful Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares. Happy baking!
Ingredients List:
1. For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups gingersnap cookie crumbs (about 28 cookies)
- 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2. For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
3. For the Streusel:
- ¼ cup quick cook oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
4. For the Topping:
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes:
1. Preparing the Crust:
- In a food processor, pulse the gingersnap cookies until they turn into fine crumbs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a muffin tin with 18 paper muffin cups.
- Distribute the crumb mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing firmly to form a crust at the bottom of each cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. Making the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Ensure you mix just until combined to avoid overbeating.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Top each with a spoonful of the chopped apples.
3. Preparing the Streusel:
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cheesecakes.
4. Baking and Chilling:
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, transfer the cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, drizzle each cheesecake with caramel sauce.
Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes: FAQs and Common Issues
Yes, you can. While gingersnap cookies add a unique flavor, you can also use Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, or even Oreo cookies for a different taste.
Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious are all excellent choices due to their firm texture and flavor. However, feel free to use your favorite variety.
Ensure you’re using full-fat cream cheese and not the spreadable kind in a tub. Also, avoid overbeating the mixture, as this can incorporate too much air, making it runny.
Cheesecakes can crack due to sudden temperature changes. To prevent this, avoid opening the oven door frequently and allow the cheesecakes to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
The moisture from the cheesecake can soften the streusel over time. For a crunchier topping, consider adding the streusel just before serving.
Yes, but Greek yogurt is thicker and richer, giving the cheesecake a creamier texture. If using regular yogurt, make sure it’s plain and not too watery.
Other Delicious Recipes You May Also Enjoy!!
Have you liked our Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, share your tweaks, and share this recipe with your friends.
