These Apple Cheesecake Bites are tiny pieces of heaven! They’re filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, all in a cute little crust.
Perfect for when you want a sweet treat without going overboard. I love sharing them at parties, but honestly, I often end up hogging them all! 🍏🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They form the base of our bites. If you don’t have them, consider using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives that rich cheesecake flavor. You can swap with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, though it may change the texture.
Apples: I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for balance. If you’re out of apples, pears could be a nice substitute!
Sour Cream: It adds creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based yogurt instead. It will still keep things smooth.
Caramel Sauce: I think adding caramel really takes these bites over the top. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel works great, but homemade feels extra special!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cheesecake Filling?
Crafting a smooth cheesecake filling is key! Here’s how to ensure it’s creamy and delicious:
- Start with softened cream cheese. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Mix at medium speed, adding sugar gradually. This helps aerate it and creates a fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix after adding the egg; just beat until incorporated to prevent cracks or a dense filling.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a lovely, smooth filling that’s not just tasty but also visually pleasing when you pop those bites out!
Apple Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 8-10 full sheets)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 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
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet apples), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Time Needed:
This scrumptious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and another 25 minutes to bake. Be sure to set aside at least 2 hours for chilling in the fridge after baking—it helps the cheesecake bites to set perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined and the crumbs are nicely moistened. Grab about 1 tablespoon of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, then take them out and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until everything is nicely combined. Finally, mix in the sour cream until the filling is smooth.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Carefully divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the muffin cups over the crusts, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will give them room to rise without spilling over.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
6. Cook the Apple Topping:
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and coated well. Remove from heat and let them cool for a moment.
7. Assemble the Bites:
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each filled muffin cup. Then, take a small spoonful of the apple mixture and place it on top of the streusel for that delightful combination of flavors.
8. Bake:
Pop the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly when done. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Chill:
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bites for at least 2 hours or overnight to let them set up nicely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top if you’d like. Chill them, and then enjoy these delicious apple cheesecake bites with friends or keep them all to yourself!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed vanilla wafer cookies, Oreos, or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option. Just ensure to adjust the butter and sugar levels accordingly based on your choice.
How Can I Make These Cheesecake Bites Gluten-Free?
To make these bites gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust. Additionally, ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can! These cheesecake bites can be made a day ahead. Just prepare them as instructed, chill them, and keep them in the fridge. They taste even better after resting, allowing the flavors to meld!
How To Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep them refrigerated so they maintain their creamy texture. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just thaw in the fridge before serving again!
