Dreamy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Enchanting Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Dreams

Sweet and creamy cheesecake meets classic apple crisp in this irresistible apple crisp mini cheesecakes dessert that will steal your heart.

Layers of rich cream cheese blend seamlessly with tender cinnamon-spiced apples.

The buttery graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the smooth filling.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.

These mini desserts are perfect for weekend gatherings or when you want a special treat without preparing an entire pie.

Every mini cheesecake delivers a perfect balance of tart apples and sweet cream cheese.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by this delightful fusion of two beloved desserts.

What’s in Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, buttery foundation with delightful crunch and traditional cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Butter: Creates rich flavor and helps compress the crust for a solid base.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor essential for classic cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds perfect sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the filling ingredients.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and creates a silky, luxurious texture.
For Apple and Crisp Topping:
  • Apples: Bring fresh, natural sweetness and tender texture to the dessert.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like flavor and helps soften the apples.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements apple's natural sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, subtle tartness.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens apple mixture and creates a glossy, smooth sauce.
  • Oats: Provides hearty, rustic crunch to the topping.
  • Flour: Helps create a crumbly texture for the crisp layer.
  • Melted Butter: Binds crisp topping and adds rich, golden flavor.
  • Caramel Sauce: Optional finishing touch for extra indulgence.

Tools to Layer Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese until silky smooth.
  • Muffin Tin: Essential for creating individual mini cheesecakes.
  • Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining crust, cheesecake, and crisp ingredients.
  • Small Saucepan: Ideal for cooking and softening apple topping.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
  • Spatula: Great for scraping and spreading mixtures evenly.
  • Baking Sheet: Optional, can place under muffin tin for easier handling.

Bake Apple Crisp Cheesecakes Without Fuss

  • Crush Cookie Base

Press graham cracker mixture firmly into muffin liners creating a solid foundation for your mini cheesecakes. Quickly bake for a few minutes to set the base.

  • Whip Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth. Gently incorporate egg and sour cream, mixing carefully to maintain a velvety texture.

  • Simmer Apple Mixture

Cook diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a pan. Allow flavors to meld and soften fruit. Thicken sauce with a touch of cornstarch for perfect consistency.

  • Create Crunchy Topping

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter into a delightful crumbly mixture that will add irresistible texture to your dessert.

  • Layer and Bake

Top each cheesecake with warm apple mixture and sprinkle generously with crisp topping. Bake until centers are set and edges look golden.

  • Chill and Serve

Allow cheesecakes to cool completely. Refrigerate for a few hours to firm up. Optional: Drizzle with caramel and add a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Flavor Variations to Try for Mini Cheesecakes

  • Cheesecake Perfection Tips: Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling and prevent cracking during baking.
  • Apple Selection Magic: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture in the topping.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Vegan Transformation: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and opt for coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based version of this delightful dessert.

Serving Ideas for Fall-Themed Mini Desserts

  • Sweet Caramel Drizzle Delight: Elevate each mini cheesecake with a luxurious caramel sauce swirl, creating a glossy, rich finish that complements the warm apple and cinnamon flavors.
  • Creamy Whipped Cloud Topping: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream to each mini cheesecake, providing a light, airy contrast to the dense, creamy cheesecake base and spiced apple layers.
  • Crunchy Nut Sprinkle Sensation: Garnish with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that enhances the crisp topping's texture and adds visual appeal.
  • Seasonal Spice Accent: Dust a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the top for an extra aromatic touch that intensifies the warm, autumnal essence of these mini desserts.

Keep Your Cheesecakes Firm and Crisp

  • Refrigerator Storage: Tightly wrap individual cheesecakes in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for maximum freshness. These delightful treats stay delicious up to 4-5 days when kept chilled.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap each mini cheesecake separately in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain perfect texture for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Create these mini desserts up to 2 days before your gathering. The crust stays crisp, and flavors intensify when resting in the refrigerator. Simply add crisp topping right before baking for ultimate freshness.
  • Smart Portioning: Use individual cupcake liners to create grab-and-go desserts. This technique helps control serving sizes and makes sharing super convenient during parties or family gatherings. Each mini cheesecake becomes a perfect single-serving treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 12

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Dreamy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

Dreamy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy cheesecake mingles with classic apple crisp in these delightful mini desserts. Warm cinnamon and caramelized apples create a perfect balance of textures you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple mixture)
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for apple mixture)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and butter, pressing a tablespoon into each cupcake liner. Lightly toast at 325°F for 5 minutes until golden, then cool thoroughly.
  2. Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth. Fold in vanilla, egg, and sour cream, mixing minimally to maintain silky texture.
  3. Apple Compote Creation: Simmer diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender. Integrate cornstarch slurry to develop a glossy, rich consistency, then remove from heat and allow slight cooling.
  4. Crisp Topping Assembly: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to form a crumbly mixture with varied texture.
  5. Layering and Baking: Distribute cheesecake filling evenly across prepared crusts. Top with apple compote and generously sprinkle crisp topping for complete coverage. Bake 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden and centers set.
  6. Finishing Touch: Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours. Optional gourmet enhancement includes caramel drizzle and delicate whipped cream garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly into liners to create a solid, compact base that won’t fall apart when eating.
  • Control Cheesecake Texture: Mix cream cheese ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Manage Apple Moisture: Pat diced apples dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid from making the cheesecake soggy and compromising the crisp topping’s crunch.
  • Customize Dietary Options: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives, use low-fat cream cheese, or replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for health-conscious variations.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star