Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites are everything you love about fall desserts wrapped into a perfectly portioned, bite-sized treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, and a sweet, spiced caramel apple topping, these mini cheesecakes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a festive make-ahead dessert, these bites bring together creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors in every mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic caramel apple and cheesecake flavors combined
• Mini portions—perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays
• Easy to make ahead and store
• No fork required—great for dessert tables and buffets
• Creamy cheesecake with a buttery, crunchy crust
• Topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel
• Bakes quickly and cools faster than a full cheesecake
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Easy to customize with crusts or toppings
• Ideal for fall events, Thanksgiving, or anytime you crave comfort sweets

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)

For the caramel apple topping:

• Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press about 1 tablespoon into each mini muffin cup and press down firmly. Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Stir in sour cream if using.
4. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crusts, filling each cup nearly to the top.
5. Bake for 1215 minutes or until centers are set and no longer jiggly. Let cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
6. Make the apple topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook diced apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon (plus nutmeg if using) until apples are tender and caramelized—about 810 minutes.
7. Let the topping cool slightly, then spoon over each cheesecake bite.
8. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

Servings and timing

• Yield: About 24 mini bites
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: About 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Crust Swap: Use vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, or crushed pretzels for a twist.
• Turtle Style: Add chopped pecans and chocolate drizzle with the caramel.
• Pumpkin Apple: Mix in a few tablespoons of pumpkin purée to the cheesecake for a fall fusion.
• Cinnamon Roll Crust: Use cinnamon graham crackers or swirl cinnamon sugar into the crust.
• Nut-Free: Skip the caramel or use allergy-safe alternatives if needed.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free caramel for an allergy-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 45 days. You can also freeze them (without the topping) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and add topping before serving. Best served chilled or at room temperature. No reheating required.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Store-bought caramel is perfect for drizzling—just warm slightly for easier pouring.

What apples work best?

Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during cooking.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, but you’ll get fewer servings and need to increase the bake time by 58 minutes.

Can I make the topping ahead?

Absolutely. Cook the apples a day in advance and store chilled until ready to top.

Do I need to use a water bath?

No water bath needed—these mini cheesecakes bake evenly without one.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and double-check your caramel sauce.

Are these overly sweet?

No, the cheesecake filling is mildly sweet and balanced well by the tart apples and caramel.

Can I leave out the apple topping?

Of course! They’re still delicious plain or topped with just caramel or fruit preserves.

What’s the best way to serve them at a party?

Serve chilled on a platter with mini forks or in individual cupcake liners for easy grabbing.

How do I get clean edges on the cheesecakes?

Let them cool completely before removing from the liners or pan, and chill well for the firmest texture.

Conclusion

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites are a delicious and festive way to enjoy two classic desserts in one irresistible bite. With their rich, creamy filling, sweet-spiced apple topping, and gooey caramel drizzle, these little cheesecakes are perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a show-stopping, no-fuss treat. Make a batch, share the love, and watch them disappear.

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