Indulge in the Essence of Autumn: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups

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As the leaves start to paint the world in hues of orange and red, there’s no better way to welcome the season of coziness than with a dessert that encapsulates the essence of fall. Enter the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups – a heavenly concoction that promises to steal your heart at the first bite. This delightful twist on a classic favorite combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the irresistible flavors of caramel and apple, all nestled in a perfect bite-sized cup.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Base:
    • 12 Pecan Sandies, trimmed to fit in the muffin tin
  • Cheesecake Mixture:
    • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2.5 oz freeze-dried apples, roughly crushed
    • 1 cup Kraft Caramel Bits
    • 1 TBSP flour
  • Caramel Topping:
    • 11 oz Kraft Caramel Bits
    • 2 TBSP water

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. Line your muffin tin with white cupcake liners for an elegant look, placing a trimmed Pecan Sandy at the bottom of each liner.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Base: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
  3. Incorporate the Apples: Gently fold in the freeze-dried apple pieces into the creamy mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  4. Add the Caramel: Toss the caramel bits with flour to coat them evenly, then fold these into your batter. This little trick helps distribute the caramel evenly throughout the cheesecake cups.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Fill each cup to the top with your cheesecake mixture. Bake for 22 minutes, rotating the tin halfway through to ensure even baking. Once done, allow them to cool to room temperature.
  6. Caramel Topping: For that extra touch of decadence, melt additional caramel bits with water over medium-low heat until smooth. Spoon this luscious caramel over each cheesecake cup.
  7. Chill and Serve: Let the cheesecake cups chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set. This patience pays off with a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups as a sophisticated dessert at your next fall gathering, or indulge in one as a treat alongside your favorite autumn beverage. The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy base, and gooey caramel top, all infused with the essence of apple, makes for a memorable dessert experience.

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 320 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 12

Conclusion:

Embrace the flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and add a touch of warmth to your autumn celebrations. Share the love and the flavor with friends and family, and let these cheesecake cups become a new fall tradition in your home. Happy baking!

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