Description
A delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and warm, spiced apple crisp, these mini desserts are as delicious as they are beautiful. A buttery, crumbly topping pairs perfectly with the smooth cheesecake, while cinnamon-sugar apples add a touch of autumn to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: These form the base for the mini cheesecakes, providing a crisp and slightly sweet foundation.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the crust to complement the creamy filling.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A hint of cinnamon in the crust adds a touch of warmth and flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened): The base for the creamy filling, providing a smooth and tangy texture.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and smoothness to the filling, making it even creamier.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tang of the cream cheese and sour cream.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cheesecake filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevents it from cracking during baking.
For the Apple Crisp Topping:
- 3 large apples (peeled, cored, and diced): Choose firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well during baking.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the apples.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Sweetens the apples and complements their natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Helps soften the apples as they cook and adds richness to the topping.
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and crunch to the crisp topping.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the oat mixture together, creating a crumbly topping.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the oat topping and adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the topping.
Instructions
First Step: Prepare the Cheesecake Crust
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined, and the crumbs are coated in butter.
- Press the Crust into Muffin Tins: Spoon the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup (use a regular 12-cup muffin tin). Press the mixture down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a firm crust. Be sure to press the crumbs evenly across the bottom of each cup.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Second Step: Prepare the Apple Crisp Topping
- Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. The apples should still hold their shape but be tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the butter and use a fork or your fingers to work it into the mixture until it forms a crumbly topping. Set this aside.
Third Step: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the mixture is even.
- Add the Sour Cream and Sugar: Add the sour cream and granulated sugar to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Flour: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition to incorporate fully. Then, add the flour and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
Fourth Step: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the cheesecake filling into each muffin cup, filling it nearly to the top. Gently smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Add the Apple Topping: Spoon the cooked apples on top of the cheesecake filling, dividing them evenly among the mini cheesecakes. The apples should nestle nicely into the creamy filling.
- Top with Oat Mixture: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface of each mini cheesecake. This creates a delightful, crumbly texture once baked.
Fifth Step: Bake the Mini Cheesecakes
- Bake the Cheesecakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and the oat topping is golden and crisp. The edges should be firm, and the center should have a slight jiggle.
- Cool the Cheesecakes: Once baked, remove the mini cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can also chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to set.
Final Step: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (Optional): Just before serving, you can garnish the mini cheesecakes with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Serve: Carefully remove the mini cheesecakes from the muffin tin. Place them on a serving platter and enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apples, and crunchy oat topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking and Cooling Time: 1 hour for baking, 30 minutes for cooling
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g