These Apple Cheesecake Bites are tiny desserts filled with creamy cheesecake and bits of sweet apple. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they’re easy to enjoy in just one bite!
Honestly, who can resist bite-sized treats? I often make these when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. They disappear fast, so be ready to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This forms the base for your cheesecake bites. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour instead for a unique twist!
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese is key for a rich filling. You can swap it with Neufchâtel for a lower-fat version, but it’ll be a bit less creamy.
Apples: I love using Gala or Fuji apples for their sweetness. If you want a tart flavor, try Granny Smith apples. You can also use canned apple pie filling in a pinch.
Butter: This keeps the crust moist. If you want a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Cheesecake Filling Smooth?
The key to a silky cheesecake filling is starting with softened cream cheese. Here’s how to achieve that perfect consistency:
- Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.
- Beat it on its own first until smooth before adding sugar and vanilla.
- Mix until creamy without overbeating to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
Following these tips will help ensure your cheesecake filling turns out wonderfully smooth and delicious!
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping:
- 1 cup chopped apple (such as Gala or Fuji)
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing apples)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sautéing apples)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Topping:
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour for chilling. The total time from start to enjoying your bites is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including baking and cooling time. Super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or simply grease the cups lightly with cooking spray. This will help the bites come out easily after baking!
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix them together until it forms a crumbly mixture. It should look like wet sand. This will be your crunchy base!
3. Form the Crusts:
Now, press about 1 teaspoon of this mixture into the bottom of each mini muffin cup to create your crust. Make sure it’s packed down well for a sturdy base.
4. Bake the Crusts:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
5. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth. Then add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a creamy and consistent batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling evenly over each of the baked crusts in the muffin tin. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’ll be delicious regardless!
7. Bake the Cheesecake Bites:
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until they are set. When you’re done, take them out and let them cool at room temperature for a bit, then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to firm up.
8. Cook the Apples:
While the cheesecake bites are chilling, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.
9. Top the Cheesecake Bites:
Once your cheesecake bites have chilled, take them out of the fridge and top each one with a spoonful of the caramelized apples.
10. Drizzle with Caramel:
If you like, drizzle some caramel sauce over the bites for an extra sweet touch before serving. Enjoy your delightful Apple Cheesecake Bites!
These mini desserts are creamy, crunchy, and bursting with apple flavor. Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji apples are sweet and work well, you can also try Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor. Any crisp apple variety will hold up well in the sautéing process.
Can I Make These Cheesecake Bites Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based butter for the crust and sautéing the apples. Just make sure your graham crackers are also dairy-free!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, let them come to room temperature before serving, or give them a quick chill in the fridge again if they were stored at room temperature.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the cheesecake bites up to a day in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate them after baking and cool them before adding the caramelized apple topping when you’re ready to serve!
