Bite-sized fall treats with gooey caramel apple topping
Looking for a dessert that’s as adorable as it is delicious? These Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes are your new go-to! 🍏🍮 With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a warm spiced apple-caramel topping, every bite delivers cozy fall flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, fall parties, or make-ahead treats, these little cheesecakes are easy to serve and guaranteed to wow your guests. Best of all, they’re portion-controlled (but trust us, you’ll want more than one 😉). Quick to prep, beautiful to present, and bursting with caramel apple goodness—this recipe is a fall baking must-have.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes
Ingredients List
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Make crust: Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press 1 tablespoon into each liner. Bake 5 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla.
- Bake cheesecakes: Divide filling evenly among liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until centers are just set. Let cool, then chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Make apple topping: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender and saucy.
- Assemble: Top each cheesecake with a spoonful of apple mixture and drizzle with caramel sauce. 🍎🍮
- Serve & enjoy: Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Pro Tips
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a sweet-tart balance. 🍏
- Make Ahead: Bake cheesecakes a day early; add apple topping before serving.
- Party Perfect: Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flair.
- Shortcut: Use store-bought caramel sauce to save time, or make your own for a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cheesecake | 250 | 4g | 26g | 15g | 1g | 20g |