Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of caramel and spiced apples. These bite-sized treats have a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a sweet caramel apple topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave a delightful dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic cheesecake with the cozy flavors of caramel apples
- Perfectly portioned for individual servings
- A great make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings
- Easy to customize with different toppings or crust variations
- No need for a water bath like traditional cheesecakes
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Cream cheese, softened
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Apples, peeled and diced
- Caramel sauce
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of each liner and bake for a few minutes.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until combined. Pour over the prepared crusts.
- Bake the cheesecakes: Bake until set, then allow them to cool in the pan before transferring to the refrigerator to chill.
- Prepare the apple topping: In a saucepan, cook diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble: Spoon the apple topping over each mini cheesecake and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Chill and serve: Allow the cheesecakes to chill before serving to enhance the flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 mini cheesecakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Oatmeal Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed oatmeal cookies for a heartier base.
- Spiced Cheesecake: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cheesecake batter for extra warmth.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
- Salted Caramel: Use a salted caramel sauce for a balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a nut-based crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the apple topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These are best enjoyed cold, but you can let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent my mini cheesecakes from cracking?
Make sure not to overmix the batter, and allow the cheesecakes to cool gradually before refrigerating.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji provide a sweeter taste.
Do I have to use cupcake liners?
Liners make removal easier, but you can also use a greased muffin tin.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely, store-bought caramel works well, but homemade caramel enhances the flavor.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
Can I bake these in a mini cheesecake pan?
Yes, a mini cheesecake pan works well and eliminates the need for liners.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can use small ramekins, but the baking time may vary slightly.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes, a buttery cinnamon streusel adds a delicious crunch.
How do I know when the cheesecakes are done?
They should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and warm caramel apples. They are easy to make, great for sharing, and can be customized in various ways. Whether for a fall gathering, holiday dessert table, or just a sweet treat, these mini cheesecakes will impress every time.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
SEO Description: These caramel apple mini cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized treats! Creamy cheesecake, spiced apple topping, and a buttery crust make them irresistible.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Apples
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tins with liners.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into liners.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over crusts.
- Bake until set, then cool.
- Sauté apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until tender.
- Top cheesecakes with apples and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Notes
- Best served chilled.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
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