Go Back
To make No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups, you need these ingredients: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 2 medium Granny Smith apples, diced - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - Optional: crushed pecans or walnuts for garnish You can make easy swaps if you need to. Instead of graham crackers, use crushed cookies like Oreos. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese. If you want less sugar, you can use a sugar substitute in the filling. You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter touch. Using good ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh apples bring crispness and flavor. Quality cream cheese gives a creamy texture. Avoid cheap caramel sauces; they can taste artificial. When you choose fresh and high-quality items, your cheesecake cups will shine. They will taste better and look more appealing. Start with a medium bowl. Combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix until it looks like wet sand. This makes a nice, crumbly texture. Next, take small cups or dessert glasses. Divide the crust mixture equally among the cups. Press it down firmly. This forms a solid base. Place the cups in the fridge while you make the filling. In a large bowl, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat it until smooth. You want no lumps in the cream cheese. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it is fully blended and smooth. In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. This keeps it light and airy. Now it’s time to prepare the apples. In a bowl, toss 2 diced Granny Smith apples with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and half of the caramel sauce. This adds sweetness and stops browning. Remove your crusts from the fridge. Start layering! Add a layer of the cream cheese filling first. Next, add the caramel-coated apples. Repeat this layering. Finish with a final layer of cheesecake filling on top. Cover each cup with plastic wrap. Chill them for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Whipping cream adds a light texture to your cheesecake cups. Start with cold heavy cream. Cold cream whips better and faster. Use a clean mixing bowl. A chilled bowl also helps. Beat the cream on medium speed. Once it starts to thicken, increase the speed. Watch carefully for stiff peaks. Stiff peaks hold their shape well. This step makes your dessert airy and smooth. Layering is key to a great presentation. Start with the crust at the bottom. Press it down firmly to create a solid base. Next, add a layer of cheesecake filling. Use a spoon or small spatula to spread it evenly. Follow with a layer of caramel-coated apples. Repeat the process until you reach the top. Always finish with cheesecake filling. This keeps the apples nicely tucked in. Chilling is vital for flavor and texture. After you assemble the cups, cover them with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least four hours. Overnight chilling is even better. This allows flavors to meld together. The longer they chill, the better they taste. If you can wait, let them sit overnight for a real treat! {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruit in your cheesecake cups. Try using diced pears or sliced strawberries. Both options add a sweet twist. For a tropical flair, use diced mango or pineapple. These fruits pair well with the creamy filling and caramel. Feel free to mix and match fruits for a fun flavor burst. Toppings can change the look and taste of your dessert. Instead of nuts, try crushed cookies like Oreos or Biscoff. You can also add whipped cream on top for extra fluffiness. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm spice note. For a fun crunch, consider adding toffee bits or chocolate shavings. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust. You can easily make this dessert vegan. Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Look for vegan caramel sauce to keep it plant-based. These swaps keep the dessert tasty for everyone! Store your leftover caramel apple cheesecake cups in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to cover each cup with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents drying out. You can freeze these cheesecake cups if you want to save them for later. Just make sure they are in airtight containers. They can last up to two months in the freezer. Before you enjoy them, move them to the fridge overnight. This helps them thaw slowly without losing texture. To keep the flavor and texture of your cheesecake cups, avoid freezing the apple layer. Apples can become mushy when frozen. Instead, you can freeze just the cheesecake layer. Add fresh apples and caramel sauce after thawing. This way, you enjoy the crispness of the apples with the creamy cheesecake. Yes, you can make these cheesecake cups ahead of time. They taste even better when chilled for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to mix well. Just store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. If you need a substitute for graham cracker crumbs, try crushed cookies or oats. You can use vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits. These options will still give your crust a nice taste. To stop apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice. The acid in lemon juice slows down browning. Mixing the diced apples with lemon juice and caramel sauce also makes them sweet and tasty. We covered the essential ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips for making cheesecake cups. Remember to use quality ingredients to enhance taste. Consider fruit variations and toppings to make it your own. Store leftovers properly to keep your treats fresh. These details will ensure a tasty outcome each time. Enjoy making this dessert, and let your creativity shine!

No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups

Indulge in these delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups that require no baking! Perfectly layered with a sweet cream cheese filling, tart Granny Smith apples, and a drizzle of caramel, they offer a delightful treat for any occasion. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and make these tasty cups for your next gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 medium Granny Smith apples, diced (for a perfect tartness)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for a tempting drizzle)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Optional: crushed pecans or walnuts for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and is crumbly.

    Set the crust: Take small serving cups or dessert glasses and equally distribute the crust mixture into each. Press down firmly to form a solid base. Transfer the cups to the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

      Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

        Add sweetness: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, continuing to mix until completely blended and smooth.

          Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, being gentle to keep the mixture light and airy.

            Prepare the apples: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with fresh lemon juice and half of the caramel sauce. This adds sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.

              Layer the cups: Once the crusts have set in the fridge, remove them. Start by adding a generous layer of the cream cheese filling into each cup, followed by a layer of the caramel-coated apples. Repeat this layering process, finishing with a final layer of cheesecake filling on top.

                Chill: Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait, for the best flavor infusion and texture.

                  Serve: Just before serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the tops and sprinkle with crushed nuts for a delightful crunch.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 4 hrs chill | 6 servings.

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant finishing touch, garnish each cup with a thin slice of apple or a sprig of fresh mint. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your delightful dessert.