Name: Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats; 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 and 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 medium-small apples, peeled and chopped finely; 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 10 oz. cream cheese, softened; 6 Tablespoons sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 1 egg; Caramel sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 37 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe. Imagine the buttery graham cracker crust giving way to smooth, creamy cheesecake layered with tender spiced apples and topped off with a crisp oat crumble—that’s exactly what you get here. Plus, the mini size makes them perfect for sharing or savoring without overindulging. Stick around, because I’m about to walk you through every step so you nail these delightful little bites!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tangy cream cheese and warm cinnamon-spiced apples pair beautifully.
Miniature Size: Bite-sized portions that are just enough to satisfy without feeling heavy.
Crunchy Topping Meets Creamy Filling: That crisp oat crumble adds texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Follow Steps: A straightforward process perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures, fall-inspired cheesecake bites, apple dessert recipes, mini cheesecake with apple topping, easy fall dessert ideas - The image shows a close-up of several small muffin cups filled with a diced apple mixture that looks soft and cooked, topped with a crumbly golden-brown streusel layer. Each muffin cup is lined with white paper and placed in a dark muffin tin, resting on a white marbled surface. The crumb topping looks crunchy and uneven, with some larger chunks scattered on top. The diced apples beneath are a warm light brown color with soft edges, giving a cozy baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together to create those layers of flavor and texture that make each bite so irresistible. Choosing fresh apples and good-quality cream cheese really makes a difference, so I like to shop smart.

Graham cracker crumbs: The base for the crust provides a slightly sweet, sturdy foundation with that familiar nutty flavor.
Sugar (granulated and brown): Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes, while granulated sugar sweetens and balances tartness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential warm spices that bring out the best in apples and add cozy depth.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds crumbs and topping, adding richness without extra salt.
Quick-cooking oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture to the crisp topping.
Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Lemon juice: Prevents apples from browning and enhances brightness in the filling.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture so it doesn’t get watery in the cheesecake bite.
Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, giving it that silky, creamy texture.
Vanilla and flour: Flour helps stabilize the cheesecake, and vanilla adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Egg: Binds the cheesecake filling together for a smooth, cohesive texture.
Caramel sauce: Optional but highly recommended for drizzling—it’s the ultimate finishing touch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the joys of making this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love playing with additions or substitutions depending on my mood or what’s in the kitchen—and you’ll enjoy making it your own too!

Add nuts: I like to sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumb topping for an extra crunch when I’m feeling fancy.
Swap spices: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a little twist on warmth.
Make it vegan: Using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut oil for butter replacements works great, but be mindful the texture will shift slightly.
Fruit variations: In summer, throw in diced peaches or berries instead of apples for a fun seasonal change.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe

Step 1: Create the Crunchy Crust

Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs with sugar and cinnamon—that little hit of spice is a game-changer right out of the gate. Then pour in your melted butter and stir until the crumbs feel like damp sand. Press about 2 tablespoons of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Pressing firmly is key here—it helps the crust hold its shape after baking. I pop the pan into the fridge while I prep the other layers; chilling the crust prevents it from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine your flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter, then stir until you get coarse crumbs—think rustic and chunky, not uniform powder. I keep this mixture chilled in the fridge too, so it holds together better when it bakes. You’ll sprinkle it on last, so set it aside for now.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab your softened cream cheese and beat it along with sugar, vanilla, and flour until silky smooth. Adding the flour here is a trick I like to prevent cracks and add structure. Beat in the egg just until combined—overmixing can introduce air and cause the cheesecake layer to puff up too much. Then scoop the cheesecake mixture evenly into the prepared crusts, filling each about two-thirds full. This gives you space for the apple topping and crumb.

Step 4: Build the Apple Layer

Toss your finely chopped apples with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and bright. Then add your cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch—cornstarch thickens the juices so your miniatures don’t turn soggy. Spoon the apple mixture on top of the cheesecake layer, nearly filling the cupcake liners. Press gently with your palm to pack them down slightly—it helps keep everything together during baking.

Step 5: Crown with the Crumb Topping and Bake

Now, sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-oat crumb topping over each filled cup. This topping crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving you that delightful crunchy finish. Bake your mini cheesecakes at 325°F for about 28 to 30 minutes, just until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer looks set. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe

Chill Crust and Topping: This helps keep those layers distinct and prevents sogginess—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute or two!
Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake Filling: Overbeating lets in air causing cracks and puffiness; mix just to combine for smooth results.
Finely Chop Apples: Small pieces fit nicely in these mini cups and bake evenly—plus, they’re easier to eat.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg really make the flavor pop, so keep your spice jar fresh for the best results.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe

Garnishes

I love drizzling my mini cheesecakes with warm caramel sauce just before serving—it’s the perfect finishing touch that makes you sigh “mmm.” Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a little dusting of powdered sugar for extra allure. Whipped cream is a lovely option, too, especially if you want to keep things light and airy.

Side Dishes

These mini cheesecakes are such a sweet treat that I usually serve them on their own with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. For a holiday dessert spread, they pair beautifully with fresh fruit salads or cinnamon-spiked whipped cream. I once ate a couple alongside some salted caramel ice cream and it felt like mini heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to place each mini cheesecake in individual glass ramekins or pretty dessert cups to turn them into elegant personal servings. Layering extra caramel and a leaf of mint or a thin apple slice on top makes them look restaurant-worthy in no time. They’re also adorable on tiered dessert stands for parties—guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, but the crumble topping does soften a little. Just pop them back in a warm oven a few minutes before serving to revive the crispness.

Freezing

These mini cheesecakes freeze beautifully—just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. If you want to bring back some crispness to the topping, a quick bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes works wonders.

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm the mini cheesecakes in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps refresh the crumb topping without cooking the cheese layer more. Avoid microwaving—it can make the crust soggy and the cheesecake rubbery in my experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during baking, you can also use Fuji or Gala if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just make sure they’re firm to avoid mushy filling.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese before mixing?

Yes, definitely soften your cream cheese to room temperature. This ensures it mixes smoothly and avoids lumps in your cheesecake filling.
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

For sure! I often make the crumb topping a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. It holds well and makes assembly quicker on baking day.
What if I don’t have quick-cooking oats?

You can substitute old-fashioned rolled oats, but they’ll be a bit heartier and less fine in texture. For the best crumb topping, quick oats are ideal, but rolled oats will still work.
Is caramel sauce necessary?

Not at all, but it’s my favorite finishing touch! If you want, you can skip it or substitute with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe has become a fall favorite in my house for good reason. It’s that perfect little indulgence that pairs the warmth of spiced apples with creamy cheesecake in an irresistibly crunchy package. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, these mini bites feel special without being complicated. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making batches all season long!