If you adore desserts that combine creamy richness with a delightful crunch and vibrant fruit flavors, then you’re in for a treat with Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes. These heavenly small-sized cheesecakes perfectly blend the smooth cream cheese filling with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple topping and a buttery crisp crumble, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes make dessert indulgence effortless and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect portion size: These mini cheesecakes make it easy to enjoy a decadent dessert without overindulging.
Irresistible flavor combo: The mix of creamy cheesecake, spiced apple, and crunchy topping hits every craving spot perfectly.
Simple to make: Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, dinner party, or casual get-together, this dessert impresses every time.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the apples, spices, or toppings to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients makes these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes stand out. Each element adds its own touch to the creamy texture, warm spices, and buttery crunch that bring this dessert to life.

Cream cheese: The smooth and tangy base that creates the rich cheesecake layer.
Fresh apples: Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith for tartness and texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness that complements the apples and crumb topping.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that give the filling and topping their distinct cozy flavor.
Butter: Essential for a crumbly and golden crisp crust and topping.
Graham cracker crumbs: The perfect base that holds everything together with a hint of honeyed sweetness.
Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake mixture for a creamy yet firm texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle aromatic notes.

Variations for Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

One of the best things about this dessert is how easily it can be customized. Whether you want to adjust based on what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or just to experiment with different flavors, try these simple twists.

Gluten-free crust: Swap graham cracker crumbs for almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
Sugar swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.
Alternative fruits: Try pears, peaches, or berries in place of apples for a new fruity twist.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacements like flaxseed or applesauce to make it vegan-friendly.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or ground cloves for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

Why Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes Are a Must-Try

How to Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a touch of brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of a mini muffin tin or cupcake liners to create a sturdy and flavorful base.

Step 2: Mix the cheesecake filling

Beat softened cream cheese with eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar until super smooth and creamy without lumps, forming the luscious cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Prepare the apple topping

Peel, core, and dice fresh apples, then toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sprinkle of brown sugar to bring out their natural sweetness and spice.

Step 4: Create the crisp crumble

Mix together flour, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon, rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients to make a crumbly topping that bakes to golden perfection.

Step 5: Assemble and bake

Layer the cheesecake filling over the crust, spoon the spiced apples on top, and finish with the crisp crumble. Bake in a preheated oven until the filling is set and the crumble is beautifully browned.

Step 6: Cool and chill

Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool in the pan before refrigerating at least a few hours to let them firm up and flavors meld perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a creamier texture.
Don’t overbake: Remove the cheesecakes from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the middle still jiggles slightly for perfect consistency.
Use fresh apples: Crisp, firm apples hold their shape and provide the best texture contrast inside the mini cheesecakes.
Chill for best results: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors deepen and the cheesecakes set fully.
Non-stick liners: Use silicone cupcake liners for easy removal and clean presentation.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Garnishes

Top your Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans to add extra texture and enhance the warm flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these mini cheesecakes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple berry compote for a balanced dessert plate that offers richness alongside fresh and tart notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the mini cheesecakes on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a cozy, inviting look, or place them in clear glass jars layered with extra crumble for a charming dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap each mini cheesecake individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing; they can last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm dessert, gently reheat the mini cheesecakes in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which may make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or mixed berries work wonderfully and bring fresh variations to the dessert.

Do I have to use a mini muffin tin?

While a mini muffin tin is ideal for size and presentation, you can also make this recipe in regular cupcake tins or small ramekins.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy cream cheese with a plant-based version and replace eggs with a flax or chia seed egg alternative for a vegan-friendly option.

How long do Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes last?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, they stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.

Is it better to bake the topping separately?

Baking the crumble topping on the assembled cheesecake ensures it crisps up nicely and melds flavors perfectly, so it’s best baked together.

Final Thoughts

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly balances creamy cheesecake and warm cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy crisp. Their small size makes them easy to share and impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a charming option for your next gathering, these mini cheesecakes are a must-try and will soon become one of your go-to dessert recipes.

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Print Recipe

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes combine a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, crisp crumble topping. Perfectly portioned for easy indulgence, these mini desserts offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making them ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp brown sugar

Apple Topping

2 medium firm apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp brown sugar

Crisp Crumble

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of a mini muffin tin or silicone cupcake liners to create a sturdy and flavorful base.
Mix the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with eggs, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until the mixture is super smooth and creamy without lumps, forming the luscious cheesecake layer.
Prepare the apple topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples, then toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and spice.
Create the crisp crumble: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and coats the butter pieces.
Assemble and bake: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the mini tins. Layer the spiced apples on top of the cheesecake filling, then finish with the crisp crumble topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 18-22 minutes or until the filling is set and the crumble is golden brown.
Cool and chill: Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let them firm up and the flavors meld perfectly before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter and creamier texture.
Avoid overbaking—remove when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Chill cheesecakes for best results; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Use silicone cupcake liners for easy removal and clean presentation.
For gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
To make vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacements such as flaxseed or applesauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: apple crisp cheesecake, mini cheesecakes, apple dessert, cinnamon apple cheesecake, individual cheesecakes, fruit crisp dessert