Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced caramelized apples, and a crunchy cookie base. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal dessert for fall gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base:
- 12 Pecan Sandies (or vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies)
For the Cheesecake Mixture:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Make the Base: Place one pecan sandie or your chosen substitute cookie at the bottom of each muffin cup to form the dessert base.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the cookie bases, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Cheesecakes: Bake the filled muffin cups in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly jiggly, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecakes to cool slightly at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to set completely and enhance the flavors.
- Make the Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
- Assemble & Serve: Top each chilled cheesecake cup with a generous spoonful of the warm spiced apples, then drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
- Chilling the cheesecake cups is essential for proper setting and flavor development.
- Substitute cookies can be used for the base depending on preference and availability.
- For easier removal, gently loosen the cheesecake cups from the liners or use silicone muffin cups.
- Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
