These Apple Cheesecake Bites are tiny treats of joy! With creamy cheesecake and sweet apple filling, they’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
They’re super easy to make, and you can pop them in your mouth! I love making a batch and sharing them with friends—they always vanish in minutes! 🍏😁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Essential for the crust, graham cracker crumbs add a sweet crunch. If you’re short on them, crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work great too.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake its creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith apples for their tartness, balancing the sweetness of the cheesecake. If they’re not available, Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well.
Brown Sugar: It enhances the caramel flavor of the apples. If you’re out, you can replace it with regular sugar, though the taste will be slightly different. Adding a tiny bit of molasses can help replicate that rich flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give the bites a cozy flavor. Feel free to experiment with pie spice if you have it for an extra flavor boost!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Apples for Topping?
Cooking the apples is key to achieving that perfect balance of tender texture and warm flavor. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add your diced apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often until the apples are tender.
- Let them cool slightly before spooning on top of your cheesecake bites.
This technique brings out the natural sweetness of the apples while adding a delicious caramelized flavor—perfect for topping your cheesecake bites!
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 cup 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:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking apples)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 18-22 minutes for baking, and then you should let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. So, in total, you’ll need about 2 hours and 40 minutes before your Apple Cheesecake Bites are ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While that’s heating up, get your mini muffin tin ready by lining it with paper liners or greasing it well. This will keep our bites from sticking!
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and looks moistened. Now, take about 1 tablespoon of this mixture and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup to create a nice, even crust. Set it aside for now!
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then beat again just until everything is mixed well and there are no lumps.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Now, spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crusts in your muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; it will settle as it bakes!
5. Cook the Apples:
Grab a skillet and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add in the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the apples become tender and everything is nicely coated in a thick sauce. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it cool just a bit.
6. Add the Apple Topping:
Spoon a small amount of the cooked apple mixture right on top of each cheesecake bite. If you like, sprinkle a little extra graham cracker crumb on top for a fun, crunchy finish!
7. Bake Them Up:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the centers still have a little jiggle—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as they cool!
8. Cool and Chill:
After baking, let the bites cool down to room temperature in the tin. Once they’ve cooled, place them in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours—this helps them set fully for perfect serving!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your Apple Cheesecake Bites, carefully take them out of the muffin tin and serve chilled. They make a delightful little treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any apples you enjoy. Just ensure they’re firm to maintain a good texture in your bites!
Can I Make These Cheesecake Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another alternative, like crushed gluten-free cookies. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free as well, making it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
The Apple Cheesecake Bites will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to chill them immediately after you’ve served to keep them fresh!
Can I Freeze These Cheesecake Bites?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply move them to the fridge for a few hours before serving.
