These Apple Cheesecake Bites are little treats bursting with flavor! Imagine creamy cheesecake with sweet apple chunks, all wrapped in a tasty crust. Perfect for a snack or dessert!
You won’t believe how quickly they disappear at gatherings! I love popping these bite-sized goodies when I need a sweet pick-me-up. Plus, they’re just so fun to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your bites. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using crushed almond flour or gluten-free cookies instead.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that creamy texture! If you’re dairy-free, consider using a cream cheese alternative made from cashews or soy cream cheese.
Apples: Fuji and Granny Smith are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness. If you want a different flavor, try Honeycrisp or Gala apples—they’ll work wonderfully!
Rolled Oats: These are optional in the crumble topping. If you don’t have them on hand, you can leave them out or use crushed nuts for added crunch!
How Do I Get the Cheesecake Filling Smooth and Creamy?
Getting the cheesecake filling just right can make a big difference! Here are some tips for achieving that perfect texture:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; cold cream cheese will create lumps.
- Beat the cream cheese first until it’s creamy before adding sugar to prevent graininess.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract after the sugar, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
With a little patience, you’ll have a smooth filling ready for your bites!
Apple Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Apple Topping and Crumble:
- 1 medium apple (such as Fuji or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 2 hours for chilling. You’ll spend a little time mixing your ingredients and baking, but most of the time is just waiting for these delicious bites to set in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s heating, you can prepare your mini muffin pan. Line it with paper liners for easy removal, or you can lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to keep your bites from sticking.
2. Making The Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until everything is nicely combined and the crumbs look moist. Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly into the bottom of each mini muffin cup. This will be the base of your cheesecake bites, so make sure it’s packed well.
3. Preparing The Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar using a hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cheesecake can become too airy!
4. Add The Filling:
Now it’s time to spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture over the crust in each muffin cup. Try to smooth the tops a little so they bake evenly.
5. Cooking The Apple Topping:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add your diced apples, followed by the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and have a delightfully caramelized look. Once done, remove from heat and set it aside.
6. Making The Crumble Topping:
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rolled oats (if you’re using them). Pour in the remaining melted butter and mix until you have a crumbly texture. This will add a nice crunch to your bites!
7. Assembling The Bites:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over each cheesecake bite. Then, add a few pieces of the cooked apple on top of each one for added flavor and texture.
8. Baking:
Pop your muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center and the edges look golden.
9. Cooling:
Once they’re baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is important, as it helps them firm up before going into the fridge.
10. Chilling and Serving:
After they’re completely cool, pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will make the cheesecake bites nice and firm. Once chilled, carefully remove them from the muffin pan and enjoy your delicious apple cheesecake bites!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Granny Smith are great choices, you can use any firm apple you like. Honeycrisp and Gala apples also work well and will add a different flavor profile.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover apple cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a longer storage option, you can freeze them—simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these bites a day in advance! Just follow all the steps, refrigerate, and they’ll be ready to serve the next day. Enjoy them chilled right from the fridge!
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Cracker Crumbs?
If you need a substitute, crush up digestive biscuits or use finely ground oats for a gluten-free option. Almond flour can also make a tasty crust!
