Simple Apple Cheesecakes

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

Prep crust, add cheesecake filling, bake. Cook apples with cinnamon, layer on top. Let rest in fridge, then serve.
Clare Recipes
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:42:31 GMT
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Mini Apple Cheesecakes | lilicooks.com

These classic mini apple cheesecakes combine three delicious layers in perfect harmony - a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and caramelized cinnamon apples on top. The individual portions make an elegant presentation for any gathering, while delivering incredible flavor in every carefully crafted bite. The contrast between the crisp base, creamy center and tender fruit creates an irresistible dessert experience.

Essential Ingredients

  • Graham Crackers: Choose honey graham crackers for the best flavor and texture in the crust
  • Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest, smoothest filling
  • Apples: Select firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
  • Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds deep caramel notes
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors
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Key Preparation Steps

  1. Finely crush graham crackers to sandy texture
  2. Mix crushed crackers thoroughly with melted butter
  3. Press mixture firmly into pan cavities
  4. Beat cream cheese until completely smooth
  5. Incorporate remaining filling ingredients
  6. Cook apple topping until tender and caramelized
  7. Top each cheesecake with apple mixture
  8. Chill until fully set

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with fresh berries in summer or warm caramel sauce in winter. A dollop of whipped cream and light dusting of cinnamon creates an elegant presentation. These versatile mini cheesecakes adapt beautifully to any season.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results when making ahead, store components separately and assemble just before serving. The crust and filling can be prepared 1-2 days in advance.

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Apple Mini Cheesecakes Recipe | lilicooks.com

Recipe Success Tips

  • Monitor oven temperature carefully for even baking
  • Allow adequate time for each preparation step
  • Use quality ingredients for the best results

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How early can I make these?
You can make them up to two days ahead. Just store them in the fridge with a cover.
→ Which apples are best for this?
Go for sturdy types like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
→ Why use room-temp ingredients?
It helps everything mix smoothly and keeps the cheesecake texture creamy.
→ Can I store them in the freezer?
Yes, they freeze fine without the topping for up to three months. Add the apples after thawing.
→ What’s the cornstarch for?
It thickens the apple topping so it doesn’t run all over the cheesecake.

Mini Apple Cheesecakes

Mini creamy cheesecakes on a graham cracker base, topped with sweet cinnamon apples—ideal for gatherings!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 tiny cheesecakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 About 1½ cups of graham crackers, crushed super fine
02 4 tablespoons butter, melted all the way
03 ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder

→ Cheesecake

04 8 ounces of cream cheese that’s nice and soft (room temperature)
05 ½ cup of sour cream
06 A single egg
07 ½ cup white sugar
08 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
09 2 teaspoons of vanilla flavoring

→ Apple Topping

10 2 cups of apples, chopped into cubes and peeled
11 ⅓ cup of plain water
12 ½ cup packed brown sugar
13 A small pinch of salt
14 ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
15 A mix of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water for thickening

Instructions

Step 01

Throw the graham crackers into a food processor and grind until fine. Stir in the butter and cinnamon. Push the mixture firmly into muffin liners. Chill it until set.

Step 02

Whisk softened cream cheese until smooth. Blend in sour cream, egg, sugars, and vanilla extract. Make sure there are no lumps left.

Step 03

Pour the filling into the crust lining in equal amounts. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes. Let them sit and cool on the counter for an hour, then put them in the fridge for at least 3 hours to chill thoroughly.

Step 04

Mix the chopped apples, water, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a pot and cook until apples soften. Stir in the cornstarch mix and let the sauce thicken. Cool it completely.

Step 05

Spoon the cooled apple mixture over the cheesecakes once they’re chilled. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Awesome for gatherings and parties
  2. You can prepare these ahead of time
  3. A treat that screams autumn flavors

Tools You'll Need

  • Tin for muffins
  • Liners for cupcakes
  • Processor for food
  • Bowls for mixing
  • A medium-sized pot for cooking

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy is included in this recipe
  • Eggs are part of this
  • Contains wheat, so not gluten-free