Mini Apple Cheesecakes are a delectable dessert that combines the tartness of apples, the creaminess of cheesecake, and a crumbly base, all in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or just as a sweet treat, these cheesecakes are sure to impress.
Why These Mini Apple Cheesecakes Are the Best
- Creamy Cheesecake Layer: The cheesecake layer is smooth and tangy, providing a perfect contrast to the sweet and tart apple topping.
- Crumbly Base: The base, made from crushed biscuits or graham crackers, adds a delightful crunch.
- Tart Apple Topping: Fresh apples add a natural sweetness and tartness that balance the richness of the cheesecake.
- Beautiful Presentation: These mini cheesecakes are visually appealing, with a crumbly topping and apple garnish that add a fresh touch.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet treat, or craving something creamy and fruity, Mini Apple Cheesecakes are the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and a crumbly base makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet and crunchy base that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust, balancing the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: The main ingredient that creates a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor in the cheesecake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Eggs: Provide structure and stability, helping the cheesecake set properly.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the flavor profile. - All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, helping to stabilize the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the cheesecake.
- Apple Pie Filling: Provides sweetness and a hint of spice, with chunks of apples for texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the streusel, contributing to its crumbly texture.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar enhancing the flavor.
- Walnuts: Provides crunch and nuttiness, complementing the apple filling.
- Baking Powder: Helps the streusel topping rise slightly and become light.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the apple flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness of the streusel.
- Unsalted Butter: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
- Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture for the topping.
Tips for Making the Best Mini Apple Cheesecakes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality apples and cream cheese.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the cheesecakes just until the center is set to maintain a creamy texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the cheesecakes to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for clean slices and a firm filling.
- Garnish Generously: Top each mini cheesecake with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of caramel for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- With Whipped Cream: Serve Mini Apple Cheesecakes with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or a slice of orange for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a mini cheesecake with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
- With a Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- With a Sprinkle of Crushed Nuts: Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Mini Apple Cheesecakes. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, fruity, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious cheesecake recipes!
Mini Apple Cheesecakes
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 21 ounces apple pie filling
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- ½ Tsp salt
Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup walnuts finely chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ Tsp cinnamon
- ½ Tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare two standard muffin pans by lining them with 18 parchment cupcake or muffin liners, as they peel away more easily than traditional paper ones for this dessert.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and salt, stirring until the mixture is well blended and the crumbs adhere together.
- Evenly press 1½ tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottoms of each muffin cup. Set the pans aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer set to medium speed to beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to fully incorporate all the ingredients.
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing just until each is combined with the cream cheese mixture. Avoid overmixing to keep excess air from entering your cheesecake filling.
- Gently fold in the sour cream, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Distribute 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling into each muffin cup lined with graham cracker crumbs.
- Next, place your apple pie filling onto a large cutting board and roughly chop any larger apple pieces. This step isn’t necessary if your brand contains small chunks rather than full slices. Once chopped, transfer the apple pie filling to a bowl for easier scooping to fill the muffin cups.
- Spoon 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the chopped apple pie filling into the center of each cheesecake-filled muffin cup. Set the cups aside for later.
- To prepare the streusel topping, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, finely chopped walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dry mixture and gently stir until the butter is mostly absorbed and large crumbs begin to form.
- Next, add the heavy cream and mix to ensure that all the dry ingredients are incorporated, resulting in a crumble mixture with both small and large crumbs.
- Sprinkle 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the streusel topping over each mini apple cheesecake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the streusel is a light golden brown and the cheesecake has set.
- Once baked, let the mini apple cheesecakes cool in the pan on the counter for 30 minutes. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the cheesecake layer is fully set and cooled.