Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups bring together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart flavor of caramelized apples.
These individual no-bake treats are perfect for parties, festive occasions, or a simple dessert craving.
To make this, you’ll blend cream cheese with Greek yogurt and vanilla, layer it over crushed graham crackers, and top with apple chunks caramelized in brown sugar and butter.
Each layer adds texture and flavor, creating a delightful dessert in every bite.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time & Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Dessert | American | 4 cups |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | 2 Cups | 4 Cups | Alternatives / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese (softened) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | 1 cup | Use Neufchâtel for lighter version |
| Greek Yogurt | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Use sour cream or cottage cheese (blended) |
| Vanilla Extract | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Optional, but adds flavor |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | Use honey or maple syrup as alternative |
| Graham Crackers (crushed) | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | ½ cup | Digestive biscuits or Biscoff |
| Apples (peeled & diced) | ½ medium | 1 medium | 2 medium | Any firm apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp |
| Butter | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | Can use ghee or coconut oil |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | Maple syrup or coconut sugar |
| Caramel Sauce | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | Store-bought or homemade |
Tools & Equipment Needed
| Tool / Equipment | Description / Use | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | For mixing the cheesecake base | Any medium bowl |
| Electric Mixer | To blend cream cheese until smooth | Hand whisk with effort |
| Small Saucepan | To caramelize the apples | Microwave-safe bowl if using microwave |
| Dessert Cups | To layer and serve the cheesecake | Small glasses or ramekins |
| Spatula or Spoon | For mixing and layering | Standard kitchen spoon |
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of assembling these delicious dessert cups.
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Base
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup softened cream cheese, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ cup powdered sugar.
Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth. This forms your cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
Peel and dice 2 medium apples. In a small pan, melt 4 tsp butter, add the diced apples and 4 tsp brown sugar, then sauté over medium heat until the apples soften and begin to caramelize (around 5–6 minutes). Let it cool before layering.
Step 3: Layer the Graham Cracker Base
Crush ½ cup of graham crackers and divide evenly among your serving cups. Lightly press them into the bottom using a spoon to form the crust.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crust layer, filling each cup about ⅔ full. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Top with Caramel Apples
Once the apples are cool, spoon the caramelized apples over the cheesecake layer. Drizzle caramel sauce (about 1 tbsp per cup) on top for extra flavor.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Garnish with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a pinch of cinnamon for a festive look.
- Add a small whipped cream swirl on top just before serving.
- You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or graham cracker crumbs for added crunch.
- Serve chilled in glass jars for an elegant dessert display.
Variations to Try
- Mini Apple Pie Cups: Add a touch of apple pie spice or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling.
- Peanut Butter Apple Cheesecake Cups: Mix 2 tbsp peanut butter into the cheesecake base for a nutty twist. Drizzle with peanut butter instead of caramel.
- Apple Cinnamon Crunch Cups: Layer with granola on top of the apples for texture.
- Low Sugar Version: Use stevia or erythritol and skip the caramel drizzle.
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Make a quick crumble topping with oats, butter, and brown sugar; bake and sprinkle on top before serving.
Each variation involves adjusting just one part—like mixing flavor into the base or changing the topping.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered with plastic wrap or lids.
- Freezing: You can freeze for up to 1 month, but caramel may change texture slightly after thawing.
- Avoid keeping at room temperature for long periods to maintain the structure and freshness.
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Always soften your cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Let the apples cool before layering to keep the cheesecake texture firm.
- Make it a day ahead for better flavor infusion and chilling.
Common Mistakes, Fixes & Prevention
| Mistake | Problem Caused | Quick Fix / Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Using cold cream cheese | Lumpy texture | Let cream cheese sit at room temperature |
| Hot apple topping | Melts cheesecake layer | Cool apples before layering |
| Too much caramel | Overly sweet and runny | Use measured amounts per cup |
| Overmixing cheesecake base | Runny or airy texture | Mix until just combined and creamy |
Try this creamy, layered caramel apple cheesecake cups recipe and see how easily it becomes a favorite!
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these are guaranteed to impress. Let us know how yours turned out in the comments!
