Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are basically the answer for everyone who gets stuck picking between cheesecake and apple pie (please say I’m not the only one who has this problem). Imagine creamy cheesecake, crisp-tender apples, and that buttery oat topping, all in a little hand-held cup. Pure. Dessert. Genius. Every fall, my kitchen turns into a little apple festival, and honestly, these minis steal the show. You’ll love how they bring the cozy vibes but don’t leave you stuck with a mountain of dirty pans like a big apple crisp. Oh, and if you dig mini desserts too, you have try these mini candy corn cheesecakes or crunch through some air fryer crispy fried onions in 5 easy steps while you bake.
Why You Will Love This Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipe?
Okay, real talk? There are like five reasons these cheesecakes are always on my fall baking hit list. First, they are mini, which instantly makes them twenty times cuter (kids lose their minds over the cupcake shape—adults too, let’s not pretend). No stressing about slicing perfect wedges. Just grab and go. The apple crisp topping adds crunch and a little salty-sweet bite on top of that soft, tangy cheesecake. Most cheesecakes take an hour and feel a bit intimidating, but these bake up quick and use everyday stuff. People always look at you like you’re running a five-star restaurant when you hand them one.
And listen, you can make these with whatever apples you pull from your crisper drawer—so forgiving. My neighbor once swapped apples for nectarines and said they turned out even better (I’m not convinced, but he’s stubborn). Your house will smell epic (think cinnamon, toasted oats, hints of vanilla).
“Best thing I’ve baked all year! The cheesecake was so creamy and that crumble? Unreal. Even my picky aunt had seconds.” – Amanda H.
Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Best Use | Texture |
---|---|---|---|
Granny Smith | Tart and Crisp | Baking, Cooking | Firm |
Honeycrisp | Sweet and Juicy | Fresh Eating, Salads | Crisp |
Fuji | Sweet and Aromatic | Baking, Fresh Eating | Crisp |
Gala | Sweet and Mild | Fresh Eating, Salads | Soft |
How to Make Mini Cheesecakes?
Let’s not complicate things. If you can stir and layer, you’re golden. You start by mixing crushed graham crackers and melted butter for a crust—okay, not rocket science. Press that into cupcake liners and give them a little bake-off in the oven. While that’s happening, beat up cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and an egg. Nothing fancy, just blend it until it’s smooth (nobody wants chunky cheesecake). Spoon that creamy stuff over your crust. Here’s where things get wild: peel and dice some apples, toss them with sugar and a shake or two of cinnamon. Layer that on top of your cheesecake.
Now, the hero moment—mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and more butter for a crumble. Sprinkle till it looks generous. Bake the cheesecakes until they’re set but still a little jiggly in the center. Once cool, they taste best after an hour or so in the fridge. If you can stand the wait. Tiny, dreamy, and not difficult—promise.
What Are the Best Apples For Cheesecake?
I always say use the apples you actually like. When I want a pop of flavor, Granny Smith apples are my top pick—they’ve got that tart zing that doesn’t get lost in the sugar. Honeycrisp works too, for sweetness and crunch that lasts through baking. Don’t get hung up on perfection, though. Fuji or Gala hold their own if it’s what you’ve got.
Some folks try mixing two types of apples—gives depth of flavor (I think I heard that on a cooking show once and just rolled with it). The apples honestly don’t need to be super fresh. A little soft is fine since they’re getting baked anyway. Just don’t use apples that are mushy or bruised to the point of mystery.
If apples aren’t your thing, you can swap in pears or even something wild like peaches. For peach lovers, check out this best peach crisp recipe—it’s a sweet change-up.
Expert Tips
Want these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes to come out ridiculous every single time? These random nuggets of wisdom really help:
- Don’t overfill the cupcake liners—halfway is perfect.
- Let them chill at least an hour before serving (trust me, patience pays off).
- Crumble gets crispier if you use cold butter when mixing the topping.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for over-the-top goodness.
And low-key? They freeze great. I stuck a tray in my freezer last year and totally forgot until Thanksgiving—and they still tasted awesome.
More Fruity Cheesecake Recipes to Try
If you think you might love these, you should wander through a few of my other fruity favorites. The apple cinnamon french toast casserole recipe pairs super well with these at brunch, gotta say. Or if autumn flavors are your jam, those apple pumpkin streusel muffins (small batch) basically scream fall in muffin form.
You can even jump into the savory side with caramelized onion apple tart if you want apples for dinner instead of dessert. For a truly unique treat vibe, try these irresistibly sweet mini candy corn cheesecakes for Halloween fun—I mean, candy and cheesecake, right?
Let your sweet tooth wander!
Common Questions
Do I need a special cheesecake pan?
Nope, regular muffin tins and cupcake liners do the trick.
Can I make these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes ahead?
Absolutely—prepare a day in advance and chill, or even freeze for a make-ahead treat.
How should I store leftovers?
Fridge is best, covered up. They’ll keep for 3-4 days (if they last that long).
How do you know when they’re done baking?
The centers should jiggle just slightly—not sloshy, just a little wobble.
Any tricks if I’m out of graham crackers?
Gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or even pretzels work in a pinch. Use what you have!
Ready for a Legendary Fall Treat?
Making Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes isn’t just about dessert, it’s about easy wins and flexing your “I made that” muscles to everyone at the table. You get all that cozy apple flavor and creamy cheesecake without the chaos of a giant pie—and no arguing over who eats the last slice. Check out these delicious fall harvest salad with butternut squash and apple to really bring the orchard home. Try it this weekend and let me know if you become obsessed too!
Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes
Delicious mini cheesecakes topped with crisp-tender apples and a buttery oat topping, perfect for fall.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for apples)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press into cupcake liners.
- Bake crusts for 5-7 minutes until set.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Fill baked crusts with the cream cheese mixture.
- Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon, then layer on top of the cream cheese.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Serve with whipped cream or caramel for an extra special treat. Mini cheesecakes can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg