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· 4.5 from 68 reviews

If you love the cozy flavors of fall desserts but want something bite-sized and stunning, you’re going to adore this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe. Imagine tender apples spiced just right, a creamy cheesecake layer, and that irresistible crisp topping—all wrapped up in a graham cracker crust. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every mouthwatering detail, so your mini cheesecakes come out perfect every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Bite-Sized Portions: Making these mini cheesecakes in a cupcake pan means controlled servings and less guilt, plus they’re super cute on a dessert tray.
Balanced Texture Layers: The crispy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy spiced apples, and crumbly topping combine for a harmony of textures.
Simple Ingredients & Steps: You probably have most of what you need in your pantry, and the process is straightforward—even if you’re new to making cheesecakes!
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night, a holiday dessert, or a brunch addition, these miniatures always impress.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures, fall dessert ideas, bite-sized cheesecake recipes, apple dessert recipes, easy mini cheesecake treats - 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

The charm of this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe comes from how each ingredient plays off the other. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery foundation, the cheesecake layer brings silky richness, and the bright, spiced apple filling introduces a fresh, tart sweetness. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll want to use and why.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures, fall dessert ideas, bite-sized cheesecake recipes, apple dessert recipes, easy mini cheesecake treats - Flat lay of a small pile of golden graham cracker crumbs, a neat mound of light brown sugar, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon in a small white bowl, a few curls of melted unsalted butter in a white ceramic dish, a small bowl of all-purpose flour, a heap of quick-cooking oats, a white ceramic bowl with a dusting of ground nutmeg, two medium-small peeled apples chopped finely, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a block of soft cream cheese on a plain white plate, a clean whole brown egg, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of cornstarch, and a white ceramic dish with golden caramel sauce placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the crust’s base, giving that classic slightly sweet, crunchy flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy cheesecake.
Unsalted butter: Used melted to bind both crust and crumb topping so they hold together but stay tender.
Sugar & cinnamon: Essential for warming that apple pie vibe in both crust, filling, and crumb topping.
All-purpose flour: Helps add structure to the crumb topping and thickens the cheesecake filling a bit.
Quick-cooking oats: Add a rustic chew to the crumble topping that contrasts nicely with smooth cheesecake.
Apples: I like medium-small firm apples like Fuji or Gala that hold shape but soften while baking—you’ll want that texture balance.
Lemon juice: Keeps your apples from browning and adds a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the juicy apple filling so it doesn’t get watery when baked.
Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling—make sure it’s softened for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Egg: Binds the cheesecake filling and helps it set properly in the oven.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake, giving it a warm, inviting aroma.
Caramel sauce: Totally optional but highly recommended for drizzling at the end—it’s a total game changer.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe is. Over time, I’ve mixed in different variations depending on the season, what I have around, and dietary tweaks. It’s all about making it your own and having fun with it.

Variation: Sometimes I swap in pears for apples for a milder, buttery taste—perfect when apples are out of season and it shakes things up deliciously.
Dairy-Free: I’ve tried cream cheese alternatives (like vegan versions) with good results, just watch the texture as cooking times might vary a tiny bit.
Nutty Crunch: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping can take these mini cheesecakes to the next level if you want a little extra nutty texture.
Simplify Sweetness: If you want these less sweet, just dial back on the sugar slightly—I often do this when serving with a sweeter caramel drizzle.

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

Step 1: Prep the Crust – The Base of Deliciousness

Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon and sugar. Then stir in that melted butter until everything looks like damp sand. Press about two tablespoons firmly into the bottoms of cupcake liners—it’s key to press firmly, so the crust holds up after baking. I like putting the pan in the fridge while I work on other parts because a chilled crust sets nicely!

Step 2: Make the Topping – Crunchy and Cozy

Mix the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then stir in melted butter to form coarse crumbs. Pop this in the fridge too. Keeping your crumb topping cold until assembly keeps it crumbly and prevents it from melting into the filling during baking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling – The Creamy Heart

Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and flour until silky smooth. Add the egg and mix just until combined—you don’t want to overbeat or you risk cracks after baking. Spoon this luscious filling over each crust, filling about two-thirds of the way.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling – The Fruity Magic

Toss your finely chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combo lets the apples stay tender but not soggy, with just the right sweetness and spice. Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer until nearly full, then gently press the apples down with your palm so they bake evenly.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Crumb Topping & Bake

Generously sprinkle the chilled crumb topping on each mini cheesecake. Bake at 325°F for about 28-30 minutes until the edges are set and the crumb topping turns golden. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge to chill completely. This helps the cheesecake filling settle beautifully.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softened Cream Cheese: Always let your cream cheese come to room temperature ahead of time—this makes mixing silky smooth and prevents lumps.
Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake: After adding the egg, stop mixing once combined to avoid cracking and maintain a tender texture.
Press Apples Gently: I learned that pressing the apple topping lightly helps it bake evenly and prevents any toppling or gaps.
Chill Before Serving: Cooling them thoroughly helps the cheesecake layer set perfectly for clean slices and amazing mouthfeel.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures, fall dessert ideas, bite-sized cheesecake recipes, apple dessert recipes, easy mini cheesecake treats - This image shows a stack of three mini cheesecakes with a crumbly texture. Each cheesecake has four layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown crumbly base, followed by a smooth, light yellow cheesecake layer. Above that is a chunky layer of diced apples mixed with a brown sauce, and the top layer is a thick crumbly streusel topping with bits of nuts. The cheesecakes are sitting on a white marbled surface with a green blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love drizzling these mini cheesecakes with warm caramel sauce just before serving—that melty sweetness adds that wow-factor. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully if you want something cold and creamy. For color and freshness, a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar goes a long way to make these little beauties party-ready.

Side Dishes

Since these are sweet treats, I often serve them at dessert time along with a cup of robust coffee or a cinnamon-spiced chai tea. For brunch, they’re fantastic alongside savory quiches or egg dishes, providing a sweet contrast to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these mini cheesecakes on a rustic wooden tray surrounded by small apples and cinnamon sticks for a farm-to-table vibe. You could also serve them in pretty paper liners matched to your event’s color scheme or try layering them in clear mini mason jars for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep surprisingly well—the flavors meld and the cheesecake stays creamy without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze these mini cheesecakes. I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm dessert, I gently reheat these mini cheesecakes in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes or so, but trust me, they’re lovely straight from the fridge, too—especially with that caramel drizzle!

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples because frozen apples tend to release more water, which could make the filling soggy. If you only have frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain them very well before using to reduce excess moisture.
Do I have to use quick-cooking oats in the crumb topping?

Quick-cooking oats provide a nice tender chew in the topping. If you don’t have them, rolled oats can work as well, but the texture will be a bit heartier and chunkier.
How can I prevent cracks in the cheesecake filling?

Avoid overmixing your cheesecake batter, especially once you add the egg. Also, don’t overbake—the center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out. Letting them cool gradually and chilling before serving really helps keep the texture smooth and crack-free.
Can I make these Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures ahead of time?

Absolutely! They’re great made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, chilling them overnight often improves the flavor and texture, making them even more luscious by the next day.
Is it okay to skip the caramel sauce?

Definitely! The Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures are delicious on their own thanks to the layers of apple, cheesecake, and crumb topping. The caramel sauce is just the cherry on top if you want to add a touch of indulgence.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Miniatures Recipe is one I keep returning to because it feels like a hug on a plate—comforting, sweet, and satisfying, yet deceptively simple. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, these little bites never disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try making them, tweak them to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy every single scrumptious bite with people you love.