
I whipped up these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes one fall when my daughter wanted something different for her birthday. As soon as they're done baking, my house fills with the most amazing apple-cinnamon smell. You get this wonderful mix in every bite - smooth cheesecake, soft apple chunks, and that addictive crunchy topping. The best thing? They're ready in half the time of regular cheesecake but taste way better.
What Makes These So Wonderful
Holiday schedules get crazy, and that's why I love how fast these treats come together. They're perfectly sized for gatherings where everyone gets their own mini dessert. My whole family loves how the creamy cheesecake base pairs with those cinnamon-spiced apples and that crunchy oat topping. And you don't have to wait overnight - they're ready to eat in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cinnamon Graham Base: I always throw in some cinnamon with the graham crumbs and butter for extra flavor.
- Smooth Cheesecake Layer: Make sure your cream cheese is completely room temperature for the creamiest results.
- Spiced Apple Mix: I like using small-diced Golden Delicious apples mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Oat Crumble Topping: This crunchy layer really makes these mini desserts stand out.
- Sweet Caramel Drizzle: A little caramel on top makes these truly unforgettable, I promise.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Get Your Crust Ready
- Combine graham crumbs with melted butter, sugar and a dash of cinnamon. Push firmly into paper-lined muffin cups and stick them in the fridge.
- Throw Together Your Crumble
- Mix oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and work it until you've got nice crumbles.
- Fix Up Your Apple Filling
- Peel and dice your apples small. Mix them with some lemon juice, brown sugar and a good amount of cinnamon.
- Beat Your Cheesecake Mix
- Get that cream cheese super smooth, then blend in sugar, flour and vanilla. Add your egg last and mix just enough to combine everything.
- Build Your Treats
- Spoon cheesecake mix into each cup, top with your apple mixture, then sprinkle that yummy streusel over everything.
- Bake Until Done
- Pop them in the oven for around 30 minutes until they're just set. Let them cool, then chill for a couple hours.
- Add The Perfect Touch
- Right before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce. They're absolutely amazing.

Picking Perfect Apples
Golden Delicious apples are my top pick for this recipe. They've got just the right sweetness and don't turn mushy while baking. You can try Granny Smiths too, but they're sometimes a bit too sour for these little cheesecakes.
Handy Baking Tricks
Really pack that crust down firmly so it doesn't fall apart when serving. Let your cream cheese sit out until it's completely soft - this makes your filling super smooth. Look for a slight wobble in the center when baking, that's how you know they're done just right.
Storage Suggestions
These mini treats will stay good in your fridge for up to three days. Want to save them longer? Wrap each one carefully and pop them in the freezer where they'll last three months. Just move them to your fridge overnight when you want to enjoy them again.
Common Questions Answered
Any firm baking apple works great in this recipe. Don't worry if you skip the caramel sauce - they're still amazing without it. And yes, you can totally make these a day ahead - many people think they taste even better after sitting overnight.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
- Yes! Make them 1–2 days early and store in the fridge. Wait to drizzle caramel until serving for the freshest look.
- → Which apples work best?
- Choose firm, tangy ones like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They keep their shape and balance the sweet cheesecake.
- → Are these freezable?
- Yes, freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge and finish with caramel before serving.
- → Why are my cheesecakes cracking?
- Cracks happen if baked too long or the oven’s temperature is off. The apple topping makes imperfections disappear.
- → Can I swap homemade crust for store-bought?
- Sure! While homemade crust has more flavor, you can use pre-made crumbs and mix in cinnamon and sugar to match.