Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups

When fall rolls around, it’s time to indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of caramel and apple. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups bring together the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the seasonal goodness of caramel and apples. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a special treat for yourself, these little cups are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The crispy Pecan Sandies crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and decadent caramel topping create a dessert experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these cheesecake cups are a delightful twist on a classic.

Ingredients

• 12 Pecan Sandies (trimmed to fit in the muffin tin)
• 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2.5 oz freeze-dried apples, roughly crushed
• 1 cup Kraft Caramel Bits
• 1 TBSP flour

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 275°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, preferably white for a classic look. Trim the Pecan Sandies to fit in the bottom of each muffin cup and place one cookie at the base of each liner.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Using a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat for about 1 minute after each addition, scraping down the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined, then add the sour cream and continue beating until smooth.

Step 3: Add Apples and Caramel Bits
Fold in the freeze-dried apple pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, toss together the Kraft Caramel Bits and the flour until the bits are coated, then fold this mixture into the cheesecake batter.

Step 4: Fill the Cups and Bake
Fill each muffin cup with the cheesecake batter to the top. Bake for 22 minutes, rotating the muffin tin halfway through to ensure even baking. Once done, remove the cups from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Topping
For the caramel topping, melt the Kraft Caramel Bits and water in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy. Spoon the caramel over the top of each cheesecake cup.

Step 6: Chill and Serve
Chill the cheesecake cups in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. Once set, they’re ready to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 22 minutes | Total Time: 42 minutes + chilling
Calories: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Serve these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups chilled directly from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
• For an extra touch, garnish with a few additional crushed freeze-dried apples or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture.
• These cheesecake cups are perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or even as individual treats for special occasions.
• If desired, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the tops just before serving for a more indulgent presentation.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftover cheesecake cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you plan to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cheesecake cups. To do so, place the cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen cheesecake cups in the refrigerator overnight, then top with caramel just before serving.

By following these simple storage and serving tips, you can keep your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving a sweet, fall-inspired treat!

Variations

1. Apple Cinnamon Flavor:
   For a spiced-up version, add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the cheesecake batter. This will complement the apples and caramel for a warm, cozy flavor.
2. Nutty Topping:
   If you’re a fan of nuts, top each cheesecake cup with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. The crunchy texture will pair perfectly with the soft, creamy cheesecake.
3. Caramel Swirl:
   For an extra layer of caramel goodness, swirl some of the melted caramel bits directly into the cheesecake batter before baking. This will create a marbled effect and intensify the caramel flavor.
4. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cups:
   For a true autumn twist, replace some of the sour cream with canned pumpkin and add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This will give you a delicious caramel apple-pumpkin cheesecake combo.
5. Chocolate Drizzle:
   Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top of the cheesecake cups before serving for a rich and indulgent contrast to the caramel and apple flavors.
6. Dulce de Leche Variation:
   Swap out the caramel bits for dulce de leche for a different flavor profile. This rich, creamy caramel sauce will give the cheesecake cups a deeper, more complex flavor.
7. Cheesecake with Apple Filling:
   Instead of using freeze-dried apples in the batter, you can create an apple filling by sautéing fresh apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a little butter. Spoon the cooked apple mixture into the cheesecake cups before baking.
8. Sugar-Free Version:
   For a sugar-free alternative, use sugar-free caramel bits, a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk fruit in the batter, and a sugar-free sour cream option to create a lighter version of these cheesecake cups.
9. Maple Caramel Cheesecake Cups:
   Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the cheesecake filling to give a hint of maple flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel and apples.
10. Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits:
    Instead of making individual cheesecake cups, layer the cheesecake batter, caramel, and freeze-dried apples in small mason jars or dessert cups for a cute and trendy parfait-style presentation.

These variations offer multiple ways to customize your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a spiced-up, nutty, or chocolatey twist, these options will make this dessert even more versatile and delightful!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of freeze-dried apples?
   Yes, you can use fresh apples instead of freeze-dried apples. However, keep in mind that fresh apples may release more moisture, which could slightly alter the texture of the cheesecake cups. To prevent this, sauté the apples with a little cinnamon and sugar to cook off some of the moisture before adding them to the batter.
2. Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups can be made ahead of time. Simply bake, cool, and chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. You can even freeze them if you want to prepare them weeks in advance.
3. Can I use a different cookie crust?
   Yes! If you prefer a different type of cookie crust, you can use graham crackers, ginger snaps, or even shortbread cookies in place of the Pecan Sandies. Just crush the cookies and mix them with butter as you would with the original crust.
4. How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
   To prevent cracking, make sure not to overmix the batter. Avoid incorporating too much air into the mixture, which can cause the cheesecake to rise too quickly and crack during baking. Also, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar before refrigerating.
5. Can I make these cheesecake cups without sour cream?
   Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. This will also help make the cheesecake cups a bit lighter.
6. What should I do if my caramel topping is too thick?
   If your caramel topping becomes too thick after cooling, simply reheat it on low heat and add a small amount of water or heavy cream to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
7. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a cupcake liner?
   Using cupcake liners is highly recommended as they make removing the cheesecake cups much easier. If you don’t have liners, you can try greasing the muffin tin with cooking spray, but the cheesecake may stick slightly to the pan.
8. How do I know when the cheesecake cups are fully baked?
   The cheesecake cups are done when they are set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
9. Can I freeze these cheesecake cups?
   Yes, these cheesecake cups freeze well! Once fully cooled and chilled, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
10. What can I substitute for caramel bits?
    If you can’t find caramel bits, you can use soft caramel candies (unwrapped) or make your own caramel sauce. Just melt the candies or homemade sauce until smooth and pour it over the cheesecake cups before refrigerating.

These FAQs will help guide you through any questions or concerns you may have while preparing these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups! Enjoy this delicious fall dessert worry-free!

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups are a delightful fall-inspired dessert that combines all the best flavors of the season into a portable, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them at a Thanksgiving dinner, a fall party, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these cheesecake cups will quickly become a favorite. With their creamy texture, sweet caramel, and tart apple crunch, they offer a refreshing twist on a classic cheesecake. Try them out and savor the delicious taste of fall with every bite!

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