🎉 Introduction
If fall had a flavor, it would taste like sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy cheesecake. 🍂 These Easy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine all the best parts of your favorite desserts — the rich creaminess of cheesecake, the cozy spices of apple crisp, and the crunch of buttery graham cracker crust.
Each bite is a perfect balance of smooth cheesecake filling, caramelized apple topping, and crispy oat crumble. These little treats are ideal for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or cozy nights at home. The best part? They’re portioned into adorable individual cheesecakes, so everyone gets their own!
Unlike traditional cheesecakes, these bake faster, cool quicker, and don’t require a water bath. They’re practically foolproof — perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. If you love apple pie, apple crisp, and cheesecake, prepare yourself — this recipe brings them all together in one bite-sized masterpiece.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, gather the essentials:
- 12-cup muffin pan
- Cupcake liners
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or small scoop
- Cooling rack
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for your Easy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes:
🍏 Fruits & Vegetables
- 2 medium-small apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
🧂 Culinary Aids & Spices
- 7 ⅓ tablespoons light brown sugar
- 7 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅜ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 18 teaspoons (6 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
🥚 Fresh Ingredients
- 1 large egg
🧈 Dairy
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 5 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
🍪 Crust (Biscuits & Cereals)
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup quick-cooking oats
🍯 Condiments
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
👩🍳 Directions
Let’s break this delicious recipe into three simple parts: crust, cheesecake, and apple crisp topping.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Set aside to prepare your crust mixture.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, oats, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Mix until all crumbs are coated and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of this mixture into each cupcake liner.
- Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to press it down firmly.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and egg, mixing just until combined.
- Avoid overbeating to prevent cracks while baking.
- Divide the mixture evenly over the pre-baked crusts — about 1½ tablespoons per liner.
- Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or small spatula.
Step 4: Make the Apple Topping
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and cornstarch.
- Stir frequently for 5–7 minutes, until the apples soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Crisp Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together flour, remaining brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly.
- This mixture should resemble coarse crumbs — perfect for that crisp topping.
Step 6: Assemble
- Spoon a small amount of the cooked apple mixture over each mini cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
- Press gently to help it stick.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake the cheesecakes for 18–20 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
- Just before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over each mini cheesecake.
- Garnish with a light sprinkle of oats or a small apple slice for decoration.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling Time: 2½ hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
These mini cheesecakes are the perfect bite-sized dessert for fall parties, bake sales, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of tea.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store:
- Keep your Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze:
- Freeze without the caramel topping. Wrap each cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To Serve Cold or Warm:
- These mini cheesecakes taste amazing chilled straight from the fridge.
- If you prefer them slightly warm, heat in the microwave for 10 seconds (without caramel) before drizzling sauce.
🥄 Variations
Make your Easy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes even more special with these creative twists:
- Salted Caramel Version: Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel for a sweet-salty balance.
- Maple Pecan Delight: Stir chopped pecans and a dash of maple syrup into the crisp topping.
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Swirl a cinnamon-sugar mixture into the cheesecake layer before baking.
- Apple Cranberry Cheesecakes: Add a few dried cranberries to the apple topping for tartness.
- Ginger Apple Cheesecakes: Add a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Chocolate Apple Cheesecakes: Drizzle melted chocolate along with caramel for an indulgent finish.
- Oat-Free Version: Replace oats with crushed digestive biscuits for a smoother crisp topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers and certified gluten-free oats.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a naturally sweet option.
2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling helps achieve a softer texture in the topping.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These mini cheesecakes can be made a day in advance — they taste even better after chilling overnight.
4. Can I skip the oat topping?
Yes, but the crisp adds great texture. You can replace it with crushed nuts or extra graham crumbs if desired.
5. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely — use your favorite brand or make your own quick caramel if preferred.
6. Can I make this as a full-sized cheesecake?
Yes! Double the recipe and bake in a 9-inch springform pan for about 45–50 minutes.
7. Why did my cheesecakes crack?
They may have been overbaked or overmixed. Bake just until the centers are slightly jiggly.
8. How can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and coconut caramel sauce.
9. Can I add nuts to the topping?
Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch.
10. How do I know when they’re done?
The centers should still jiggle a little — they’ll firm up as they cool.
🏁 Conclusion
These Easy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are the ultimate fall dessert — creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor. Every layer plays its part: the buttery graham crust, the silky cheesecake filling, and the warm spiced apple topping finished with a sweet crumble.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, baking for friends, or just craving something seasonal and special, these little cheesecakes will become your new go-to treat. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a casual dessert night.
Serve them chilled with a caramel drizzle, and watch everyone’s faces light up with that first bite of fall bliss.
Easy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes You Need to Try This Fall!
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Equipment
Method
- Let’s break this delicious recipe into three simple parts: crust, cheesecake, and apple crisp topping.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Set aside to prepare your crust mixture.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, oats, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Mix until all crumbs are coated and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of this mixture into each cupcake liner.
- Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to press it down firmly.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and egg, mixing just until combined.
- Avoid overbeating to prevent cracks while baking.
- Divide the mixture evenly over the pre-baked crusts — about 1½ tablespoons per liner.
- Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or small spatula.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and cornstarch.
- Stir frequently for 5–7 minutes, until the apples soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together flour, remaining brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly.
- This mixture should resemble coarse crumbs — perfect for that crisp topping.
- Spoon a small amount of the cooked apple mixture over each mini cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
- Press gently to help it stick.
- Bake the cheesecakes for 18–20 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Just before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over each mini cheesecake.
- Garnish with a light sprinkle of oats or a small apple slice for decoration.
Notes
Yes! Try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a naturally sweet option. 2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling helps achieve a softer texture in the topping. 3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These mini cheesecakes can be made a day in advance — they taste even better after chilling overnight. 4. Can I skip the oat topping?
Yes, but the crisp adds great texture. You can replace it with crushed nuts or extra graham crumbs if desired. 5. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely — use your favorite brand or make your own quick caramel if preferred. 6. Can I make this as a full-sized cheesecake?
Yes! Double the recipe and bake in a 9-inch springform pan for about 45–50 minutes. 7. Why did my cheesecakes crack?
They may have been overbaked or overmixed. Bake just until the centers are slightly jiggly. 8. How can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and coconut caramel sauce. 9. Can I add nuts to the topping?
Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch. 10. How do I know when they’re done?
The centers should still jiggle a little — they’ll firm up as they cool. 🏁 Conclusion These Easy Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are the ultimate fall dessert — creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor. Every layer plays its part: the buttery graham crust, the silky cheesecake filling, and the warm spiced apple topping finished with a sweet crumble. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, baking for friends, or just craving something seasonal and special, these little cheesecakes will become your new go-to treat. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a casual dessert night. Serve them chilled with a caramel drizzle, and watch everyone’s faces light up with that first bite of fall bliss.
