When it comes to fall desserts, I always reach for apples first. Something about the warm cinnamon scent filling the kitchen just feels like home. I created these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes during one of those “What can I bake fast that still tastes like love?” kind of days. My husband took one bite, raised an eyebrow (his happy face), and said, “This is like apple pie and cheesecake had a baby.” And just like that, they became a staple. Easy to prep, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to get rave reviews.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecake Recipe

These little beauties combine the best parts of fall desserts in one handheld bite. You get the creamy richness of cheesecake, a buttery graham crust, spiced apple filling, and a crisp topping that stays crunchy even after chilling. Whether you’re hosting a party or meal prepping dessert for the week, these mini apple cheesecakes fit the bill.

You’ll also love that this recipe is:

Perfectly portioned
Make-ahead friendly
Oven-baked with no water bath
Easily customizable with your favorite fall fruits

And if you’ve ever made Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, you already know how incredible cheesecake + apple can be. These minis take that flavor and give it a personal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each layer of this dessert has its own role to play. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

For the crust:

Graham cracker crumbs
Melted butter
Sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Sugar
Vanilla extract
Egg

For the apple topping:

Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Lemon juice
Cornstarch (for thickening)

For the crisp topping:

Old-fashioned oats
Flour
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Butter (cold and cubed)

If you love apple-based recipes, this crust and filling duo also works well in Apple Crumble Cheesecake.

How to Make Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

This recipe is easier than it looks. You’ll layer everything in muffin tins with cupcake liners, bake, chill, and done.

Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into lined muffin cups. Bake for 5 minutes at 325°F and cool slightly.
Cook the apples: Peel and dice apples. Sauté with brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice until tender. Stir in cornstarch to thicken. Set aside.
Mix the cheesecake batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Assemble: Spoon cheesecake batter over crusts. Add a spoonful of apple topping on each. Sprinkle with crisp mixture.
Bake and chill: Bake at 325°F for 18–20 minutes. Cool in the pan, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

These little cheesecakes have the cozy flavor of Apple Cinnamon Roll dessert with the elegance of a bakery treat.

Tips and Variations

Use firm apples. Softer varieties turn mushy. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up best during baking.
Don’t skip chilling. The texture sets up as it chills. If you eat them too early, they’ll taste warm and too soft.
Add caramel. Drizzle with warm caramel just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free graham crackers and certified GF oats for a gluten-free version.
Try other fruits. Pears or peaches also work beautifully with this format, and you can even swap in pie filling for speed.

Craving something deeper fried? You’ll love the contrast with Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store mini cheesecakes?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze them too,just wrap individually and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, canned pie filling makes it faster. Just chop it up slightly so it layers evenly.

What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Always go for full-fat block cream cheese. Whipped or spreadable versions won’t set properly.

Do I need a water bath for baking these?
Nope! The small size means they bake evenly without cracking. Just avoid overbaking to keep them creamy.

Final Thoughts: The Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed

Whether you’re baking for a fall potluck or just craving something cozy, Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes bring the flavor and simplicity. Each one is a bite of creamy cheesecake, warm apples, and crunchy topping, no forks required. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll earn a regular spot in your recipe box.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecake Recipe