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Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes: Bite-Sized Decadence for Beginner Bakers

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Layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and streusel create a delightful mini dessert. Perfect for beginner bakers, these cheesecakes are easy to make and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 9 graham crackers, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 large egg

Apple Filling:

  • 2 medium apples, diced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, diced
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Garnish:

  • Caramel sauce, for serving

Instructions

  • Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line the cups of a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside. Using cupcake liners makes removing the cheesecakes easier. Use a muffin tin. Use cupcake liners. Beginner Note: Make sure the liners sit flat in the tin.
  • Make the Crust: Whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl until crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Use a mixing bowl. Use a whisk. Beginner Note: If the mixture is too dry, add a little more melted butter.
  • Form the Crusts: Add around 1 ½ tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs to each of the muffin cups. Press down on the crumbs with a spoon or use a glass to form the crusts. Press firmly to create a solid base. Use a spoon or glass. Beginner Note: Press the crust evenly against the bottom and slightly up the sides.
  • Make the Streusel: Whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips or a fork until it comes together to form little crumbles and the butter chunks are no longer visible. Refrigerate while you prepare the apples and filling. Keep the butter cold for a crumbly streusel. Use a mixing bowl. Use your fingertips or a fork. Beginner Note: Don’t overwork the butter, keep it in small crumbles.
  • Prepare the Apples: Combine the chopped apples with brown sugar in a bowl and put aside to macerate. Macerating helps the apples release their juices and soften. Use a mixing bowl. Beginner Note: Stir occasionally to ensure even maceration.
  • Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and sour cream in a medium bowl with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth. Mix in the egg until incorporated. Do not overmix after adding the egg. Use a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk. Beginner Note: Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble the Cheesecakes: Add 1 ½ tablespoons of cheesecake filling to each muffin tin cup. Divide the apples evenly over the cheesecake layer (be sure to get some of the liquid from the apple bowl on each one too!) and then top with a heaping tablespoon of the streusel. Distribute the apples and streusel evenly. Use a spoon. Beginner Note: Leave a little space at the top, the cheesecakes will rise slightly.
  • Bake the Cheesecakes: Bake the cheesecakes for 23 to 25 minutes until the filling is almost set and the topping is turning golden brown. The center of the cheesecakes should jiggle slightly. Use a muffin tin. Beginner Note: Check the cheesecakes after 20 minutes.
  • Cool and Chill: Let cheesecakes cool down at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cheesecakes set completely. Use a wire rack. Use a refrigerator. Beginner Note: Allow them to cool fully at room temperature before chilling.
  • Garnish and Serve: Use a spoon to drizzle some caramel sauce over the cheesecakes and enjoy! Garnish just before serving. Use a spoon. Beginner Note: Drizzle the caramel sauce in a decorative pattern.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese.
  • Don’t overmix the filling.
  • Keep streusel butter cold.
  • Chill cheesecakes completely.

Find it online: https://susanrecipes.com/mini-caramel-apple-cheesecakes-bite-sized-decadence-for-beginner-bakers/