Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping: A Fall Dessert to Savor
As the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in rich, cozy fall desserts.
If you’re looking for a treat that combines the comforting flavors of caramel apples, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery, cinnamon streusel topping, then this Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes recipe is exactly what you need.
These mini cheesecakes are a delightful twist on the classic caramel apple, offering individual portions that are both cute and delicious. They are the perfect dessert to share with friends and family at holiday gatherings, parties, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of cider.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes
There’s something magical about fall baking. From the spiced pumpkin pies to the warm, gooey caramel apples, autumn flavors are some of the best.
These mini cheesecakes combine the tartness of Granny Smith apples, the sweetness of caramel, and the creamy richness of a classic cheesecake. Finished off with a streusel topping made with oats, cinnamon, and butter, these mini cheesecakes will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!
These treats are perfectly portioned, which means no slicing and serving from a large pan—just grab one and go! Not only are they great for portion control, but they’re also incredibly cute, making them ideal for any event.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes
Making these mini caramel apple cheesecakes is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 10 graham cracker sheets, finely crushed (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 2 ½ Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup quick oats
- ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- â…› tsp ground nutmeg
- â…› tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced into ½-inch cubes
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 tsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
- Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix it all together until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Next, divide the mixture evenly among 18 muffin cups lined with paper liners, pressing down the crumbs into an even layer using a spoon or your fingers. Bake the crust for about 5 minutes to set it, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you work on the rest of the cheesecake.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine flour, quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients, creating small crumbs. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling and apples.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are mixed in, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes:
Now, it’s time to assemble these delicious mini cheesecakes. Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin cups, pouring it over the graham cracker crust (about ¾ full in each cup). Then, sprinkle the chopped apples evenly over the cheesecake filling. Top each cheesecake with a generous spoonful of the chilled streusel topping.
5. Bake the Mini Cheesecakes:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecakes to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the cheesecake time to set perfectly.
6. Add the Caramel Sauce:
Before serving, drizzle each mini cheesecake generously with salted caramel sauce. If you prefer, you can opt for a regular caramel sauce instead of salted caramel, depending on your taste. The rich caramel adds the perfect finishing touch to these already decadent desserts.
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes
- Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers. It’ll make the process quicker and result in fine crumbs, which will create a better crust.
- For a faster option, you can use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples, but skip the extra sugar in the streusel topping.
- Add some chopped pecans or almonds to your streusel for extra texture and a nutty flavor that complements the apples.
- Be sure to cream the cheesecake filling just until smooth, avoiding overmixing, which can introduce air bubbles and affect the texture.
- Chill the cheesecakes for at least 3 hours to ensure they set properly.
Why These Mini Cheesecakes Are Perfect for Fall
These Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes are a must-try fall dessert for so many reasons. They bring together the iconic flavors of fall—sweet caramel, tart apples, and the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a Halloween party, or simply want a cozy treat to enjoy on a chilly evening, these mini cheesecakes will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 269
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 153mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 3g
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping are an irresistible combination of tender apples, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery oat topping, all finished with a decadent caramel drizzle. Perfect for any fall celebration or as a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones, these mini cheesecakes are sure to become a favorite in your autumn dessert rotation.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some of the best fall desserts you’ve ever tasted!
- SWEET CINNAMON FLAVOR: Ground cinnamon powder made of culinary-grade korintje cinnamon for an earthy flavor and warm, sw…
- HIGH QUALITY: Deliver pure, consistent flavor and craft signature dishes and drinks; chefs can bring the beloved, authen…
- MADE FOR CHEFS: Large 18-ounce container of ground cinnamon comes ready to use for convenient back-of-house recipe custo…
- McCormick Ground Cinnamon is aged up to 15 years for rich flavor
- Versatile spice for sweet and savory recipes
- Non GMO
- 2.5-ounces of ground Happy Belly Cinnamon
- Aromatic, with a sweet, deep, warm, delicate flavor. Fine ground so it blends effortlessly
- Pairs well with cumin, ginger, nutmeg, thyme, turmeric