These little apple cheesecake bites are like tiny hugs for your taste buds! With creamy cheesecake and sweet apple bits all in one bite-sized snack, it’s hard not to love them.
They’re perfect for sharing—or not! Sometimes I might just keep them all to myself. Who could blame me with such a delicious treat? 🍏😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: They make a great base for the crust. If you can’t find them, try using digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different but tasty flavor.
Cream Cheese: It’s crucial for that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese, which works well in this recipe too.
Apples: Gala or Fuji apples are sweet and juicy, perfect for this dish. You can also use Granny Smith for a slightly tart contrast. Any apple you love will work!
Brown Sugar: It adds depth to the flavor of the apples. If you’re out, regular sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can be a quick substitute.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling it on top is optional but highly recommended! Store-bought caramel is fine, or you can make your own by cooking down sugar and cream.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Cheesecake Filling?
The texture of the cheesecake filling is key for these bites. Here are some steps to help you achieve that rich, creamy goodness:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; this helps avoid lumps.
- Beat the cream cheese on its own until smooth first. This creates a lovely creamy base.
- When adding in the sugar and egg, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks.
- Filling each cup about 2/3 full allows room for expansion while baking.
- Cool the bites completely before putting them in the fridge to avoid sogginess.
These tips should lead you to cheesecake bites that are not only delicious but also have the right texture!
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping:
- 1 apple (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
To make these delicious Apple Cheesecake Bites, you’ll need about 30 minutes of prep time followed by 15-18 minutes of baking, and then at least 1 hour of chilling time in the fridge. Total time: approximately 2 hours. It’s all worth it for these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Get your mini muffin tin ready by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This will help the bites come out easily later on!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each mini muffin cup to create a solid crust. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in 1/2 cup of sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is combined and smooth—be careful not to overmix!
4. Fill the Cups:
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the crusts in each mini muffin cup, filling them about 2/3 full. This will allow room for the cheesecake to puff up as it bakes.
5. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers are still slightly jiggly. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin.
6. Chill:
After they’ve cooled down, transfer the cheesecake bites to the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour. This will help them to firm up nicely.
7. Make the Apple Topping:
While the cheesecake bites chill, prepare the apple topping. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and coated in a delicious glaze—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
8. Assemble and Serve:
Once your cheesecake bites have chilled, spoon the apple mixture generously over the top of each mini cheesecake. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over them if you’d like a bit more sweetness.
9. Enjoy:
Serve these tasty treats chilled. Enjoy every bite of your delicious apple cheesecake bites—they’re perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful snack at home!
These little morsels combine a buttery graham crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and warm cinnamon-spiced apples, making a perfect festive, or anytime treat. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji apples are great choices for their sweetness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or any other apple variety you prefer. Just ensure the apples are firm for the best texture.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
No worries! You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Both alternatives will work well to create a delicious crust.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and use a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake bites a day in advance! Bake and chill them, and then add the apple topping just before serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.