Mini Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecakes
Irresistible Bite-Sized Delight: Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites, Craving a heavenly dessert that perfectly balances the sweet flavors of caramel, apple, and creamy cheesecake? Look no further than these irresistible Mini Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecakes. This blog post will take you through the step-by-step process of creating these bite-sized delights, from preparing the chopped apple layer to assembling the mini cheesecakes with a spiced whipped cream topping. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert or a delicious treat for any occasion, these mouthwatering treats will impress your guests. Get ready to indulge in the delectable flavors of fall with these easy-to-make and flavorful Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes.
One of my favorite things to serve at a Holiday Party is individual cheesecakes. In fact, all my desserts at a party are in mini form. The reason behind serving mini desserts is the variety your guests can enjoy. Of course, making one big dessert is easier but if properly planned out (making as much ahead of time) the reward far outweighs the work. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MINI COLLECTION→MINI APPETIZERS, CAKES, AND MORE
My Favorite Mini Cheesecake Pan
The loose base of this 12-hole mini cheesecake tin allows for easy release. Hassle-free baking at its best. Made of heavy gauge commercial grade steel, the deep loose bottom is perfect for releasing cheesecakes. At almost $50.00 the pan is a little pricey but worth it if you’re planning on making mini desserts. The pan is great for all kinds of mini treats, not just cheesecake. If spending an extra $50 is not in the budget USE CUPCAKE TINS instead. Make sure you line the cupcake tin with cupcake liners before assembling the cheesecake. While the presentation isn’t the same the flavor is still incredible. CLICK HERE FOR THE PAN→MINI CHEESECAKE PAN REMOVABLE BOTTOM (not an affiliate link)
How to Make Mini Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecakes
PRESS THE APPLE PIE SPICE CRUST INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE CHEESECAKE PAN.
ADD THE HOMEMADE APPLE PIE FILLING ON TOP OF THE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST.
POUR ¼ CUP OF THE CHEESECAKE FILLING OVER THE APPLE PIE FILLING.
BAKE 30 MINUTES, TURN OFF THE OVEN, AND LET THE MINI CHEESECAKES STAND IN THE OVEN, WITH THE DOOR PARTIALLY OPEN FOR 1 HOUR.
COOL COMPLETELY AND ADD THE CARAMEL SAUCE.
CREATING THE CHOPPED APPLE LAYER
APPLE PIE LAYER INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card
- 9 large Granny Smith Apples (about 18 cups), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 12 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup water
To start creating the chopped apple layer for your Mini Apple Pie Cheesecakes, you will need to peel and dice two medium apples into small, uniform pieces. Add the apples to a saucepan with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, butter, and water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the apples are tender but still crisp. These apple chunks will add a burst of fruity freshness to each bite of the cheesecake, complementing the sweet caramel and tangy cream cheese flavors. The key to a successful chopped apple layer is to ensure that the pieces are evenly sized, allowing for a consistent texture throughout the dessert. Once you have prepared your chopped apples, you are one step closer to assembling these delectable mini cheesecakes.
PREPARING THE APPLE PIE SPICE CRUST
APPLE PIE SPICE CRUST LAYER INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in the recipe card
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the perfect complement to the chopped apple layer, the apple pie spice crust adds a warm and cozy flavor that will remind you of your favorite fall treats. This spiced crust will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake and gooey caramel, giving each bite a unique and comforting twist. With just the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices, the apple pie spice crust brings together all the flavors of autumn in a single bite. Get ready to elevate your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites with this flavorful and aromatic crust.
MAKING THE APPLE PIE CHEESECAKE FILLING
To make the apple pie cheesecake filling, start by combining cream cheese, brown sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, then add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Spoon cheesecake filling over the apple pie filling and spice crust, spreading it out evenly for a decadent layer of creamy goodness. This rich and flavorful filling will take your Caramel Apple Cheesecake to the next level, providing a luscious center that perfectly complements the crunchy crust and gooey caramel. With the apple pie spice cheesecake filling in place, you’re now ready to add the finishing touch: Homemade caramel and Homemade Spiced Whipped Cream.
APPLE PIE SPICE CHEESECAKE FILLING INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card
- 5 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1¾ cups dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup dulce de leche
HOW TO BAKE MINI CHEESECAKES
Preheat oven to 325°. Bake mini cheesecakes for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake stand in the oven, with the door partially open ( I used an oven mitt to prop the door open) for 1 hour. Cool completely (about 1 hour) before removing the bottoms of the mini cheesecakes.
MAKING THE INCREDIBLE SILKY CARAMEL DRIZZLE
HOMEMADE CARAMEL INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
FINISHING TOUCH: HOMEMADE SPICE WHIPPED CREAM
Now, to elevate your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites even further, let’s talk about Homemade Spiced Whipped Cream. This fluffy and flavorful topping will add a final layer of indulgence to your bite-sized delights, enhancing the combination of apple, caramel, and cheesecake with a touch of warmth and spice. Assembling the Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes is the next step in creating these irresistible treats.
SPICED WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
ASSEMBLING THE MINI CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKES
First, make sure the mini apple cheesecakes are fully cooled before adding the toppings. Once the cheesecake is cooled, add a drizzle of homemade caramel and a dollop of homemade whipped cream in the center of each cheesecake. There are so many delicious layers all coming together creating the perfect Fall Dessert. ENJOY! Thanksgiving Dessert: A Festive Twist on Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites awaits as you prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible treat.
Time-Saving Pro Tips
MAKE AHEAD TIPS: This apple pie-inspired cheesecake has 5 incredibly delicious layers. All the layers are equally important offering a complete dessert experience. Below are a few of my tips to help you achieve the best dessert you’ve ever made without feeling overwhelmed. Like most multi-layered desserts each layer can be made in advance of serving. That is true with this cheesecake recipe. Every layer except the whipped cream can be made days in advance.
- CRUST: The crust can be made days in advance. Store the crust in an airtight container, on the counter until ready to assemble the mini cheesecakes.
- APPLE PIE FILLING: The pie filling can be made days in advance. Store the apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- CHEESECAKE FILLING: The cheesecake filling can be made up to 3 days before baking. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- CARAMEL: The caramel topping can be made up to a week before serving. Store the caramel in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to use the caramel, slightly reheat for easy use.
- WHIPPED CREAM: The whipped cream can be made the day before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
SHORT CUTS: The items listed below are ways you can shorten the recipe and will help you to create it in a short amount of time. I highly recommend taking the time to properly create each layer (refer to the make-ahead tips listed above) but if time isn’t on your side or the idea of creating all the layers itimidates you below are a few time-saving tricks. Pick and choose some of them or all of them. Just know that the result will not be the same as the original recipe.
- APPLE PIE FILLING: You can substitute store-bought canned apple pie filling for the homemade version.
- CHEESECAKE FILLING: You can buy store-bought cheesecake filling ONLY FOR A NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE. The filling is made by the Philidelphia cream cheese company and is found where the Pillsbury biscuits are sold at the grocery store.
- CARAMEL: Ice cream topping
- WHIPPED CREAM: Frozen toppings such as Cool Whip
How to Freeze Mini Cheesecakes
Can I freeze cheesecake? The answer is yes you can! Place cooled mini cheesecakes in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 MONTHS. I highly recommend only freezing the cheesecakes. DO NOT ADD the toppings (caramel and whipped cream) until ready to serve.
THANKSGIVING DESSERT
For a festive twist on your Thanksgiving dessert table, consider serving up these delightful Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes. With the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apple pie filling, and rich caramel sauce, these mini treats are sure to be a hit with your guests. The bite-sized portions make them easy to enjoy alongside other traditional holiday favorites, and the flavors perfectly capture the essence of fall. As you prepare to wow your loved ones with these irresistible fall-inspired treats, get ready to savor the warm, comforting taste of Thanksgiving in each delicious bite.
MORE MINI CHEESECAKE RECIPES
Below is a list of some of my favorite mini cheesecake recipes. CLICK HERE for the full cheesecake collection-With over 80 recipes you will find no-bake cheesecake recipes, mini cheesecake recipes, and layered cheesecake recipes→CHEESECAKE
LATEST POSTS
In conclusion, the journey to creating irresistible mini caramel apple cheesecakes has been a delightful one. From the chopped apple layer to the spiced whipped cream finishing touch, each step has been a labor of love. As you assemble these mini creations, envision the smiles they will bring to your guests’ faces at your next gathering. Wow them with the perfect marriage of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, embracing the fall season, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cheesecake bites are sure to impress. So, why wait? Take a step into the world of flavors and textures, and let your taste buds revel in the magic of caramel apple cheesecake bites. Happy Baking! 💗Sheryl
Mini Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecakes
Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Filling Layer:
- 9 large Granny Smith Apples (about 18 cups), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 12 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup water
For the Apple Spice Crust:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 5 ( 8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1¾ cups dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup dulce de leche
For the Homemade Caramel:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
For the Spice Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
Instructions
For the Apple Pie Filling Layer:
- Add the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, butter, and water to a large saucepan.
- Stir to combine.
- On medium-high heat cook until butter is melted.
- Turn heat down to medium-low and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the apples are tender but still crisp.
- Pour into a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For the Apple Pie Spice Crust:
- Combine cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon; stir in butter.
- Press 3 tablespoons of crust into each well.
- Set aside.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Preheat oven to 325°.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and creamy; add the sugar, flour, apple pie spice, salt, eggs, and dulce de leche.
- Beat until all ingredients are combined and silky.
- Add ¼ cup of the cheesecake batter on top of the apple pie filling.
- Bake (325°) until the center is almost set but still slightly wobbly 30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven, and let the mini cheesecakes stand in the oven, with the door partially open (I used an oven mitt to keep the door open) for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecakes and place on a wire rack. Cool completely (about 1 hour).
- Push up the bottoms to release the cheesecakes.
- Place the cheesecakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to add toppings and serve.
For the Homemade Caramel:
- In a large skillet, cook sugar, water, and syrup over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. TIP: DON'T BE ALARMED WHEN THE SUGAR CRYSTALIZES, AS IT COOKS IT WILL MELT DOWN BACK TO LIQUID FORM.
- Once the sugar mixture has come to a liquid form the second time (this will take about 18 minutes from the start). Continue cooking until the mixture becomes a beautiful honey color.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cream, butter and salt.
- Continue cooking until smooth and a little thick.
- Let cool to room temperature before using.
For the Spice Whipped Cream
- For the Best Results: Place a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- To the cold bowl, add the heavy cream, vanilla, sugar, and apple pie spice.
- Start on low speed until the cream starts to thicken (making sure to scrape down the sides).
- Once the cream starts to thicken turn the mixer on high speed.
- Whip until stiff peaks form. DO NOT OVER BEAT
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