– For the Cheesecake Base:
– 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– For the Apple Filling:
– 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– For the Crisp Topping:
– ¾ cup oats
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Follow these easy steps to create your Bite-Sized Apple Crisp Cheesecakes:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Make the Cheesecake Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, followed by the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Cheesecakes: Spoon a layer of the cheesecake mixture into each cupcake liner, filling them about halfway. Add a spoonful of the apple filling on top of the cheesecake, then cover with more cheesecake mixture until the liners are about three-quarters full.
5. Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly.
6. Top the Cheesecakes: Sprinkle the crisp topping generously over each cheesecake.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are set and the topping is golden brown.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Chill: For the best texture, refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least an hour before serving.
These steps will guide you through creating these delightful mini cheesecakes effortlessly!