The fusion of creamy cheesecake and warm, cinnamon-spiced apples makes this dessert the ultimate comfort treat for the fall season. These no-bake jars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a hassle-free addition to your seasonal dessert menu. Perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy family gatherings, or simply a night in with a sweet tooth.
Their layered look in jars offers a beautiful presentation without the need for baking, making this dessert an excellent choice for entertaining or gifting. Customize your jars with decorative lids or festive garnishes for a personal touch. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or an apple pie fanatic, this dessert brings the best of both worlds into one spoonful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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4 tbsp melted butter
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1 tbsp brown sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the apple pie topping:
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2 apples, peeled and finely chopped
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of nutmeg
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until well combined. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of 6 small jars or cups. Press down firmly to create a crust. Chill while preparing the rest.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating again until fluffy.
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In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until fully incorporated.
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Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar, leaving some space for the topping. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
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Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until apples are tender. If you prefer a thicker topping, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened. Cool slightly.
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Once the cheesecake layer is set, top each jar with a generous spoonful of the apple pie mixture. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Mini No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecakes: The Perfect Fall Dessert in a Jar
As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, we naturally begin to crave comforting, warm flavors that make us feel cozy and nostalgic. Fall is a season of transition, of gathering, and of savoring every last golden leaf on the trees. And nothing says fall quite like apples and cinnamon. Combine that with the creamy richness of cheesecake, and you’ve got a dessert that’s not only soul-satisfying but also beautifully simple to make. Enter: Mini No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecakes.
These charming little desserts combine the classic flavor of a spiced apple pie with the smooth, tangy sweetness of cheesecake, all without the need for an oven. Made in individual jars or cups, they’re the ideal treat for holiday dinners, fall parties, or just a cozy night in. They’re also perfect for meal prep or gift-giving; just pop on a lid and tie on a ribbon for a thoughtful edible gift that looks just as good as it tastes.
Why No-Bake?
The beauty of a no-bake dessert lies in its ease. There’s no need to preheat an oven, monitor baking times, or worry about overcooked crusts. It’s a stress-free solution for anyone who wants a homemade dessert without the hassle. For busy parents, new bakers, or those living in warm climates where turning on the oven is a chore, no-bake recipes are a game changer.
No-bake cheesecakes are especially appealing because they retain a light, mousse-like texture that feels decadent without being overly heavy. When paired with a buttery graham cracker crust and a warm cinnamon-apple topping, this dessert hits every note of satisfaction while remaining incredibly easy to prepare.
The Layers of Flavor
Let’s break down what makes these jars of goodness so irresistible:
- The Crust
At the bottom of each jar is a classic graham cracker crust. It’s made by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a touch of brown sugar. The result is a rich, buttery base that perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese and sweet apple topping. You can press the crust down with the back of a spoon or a muddler to create a firm, cohesive layer that holds its shape under the filling.
- The Cheesecake Filling
This no-bake cheesecake filling is a luscious mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and whipped cream. It’s light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, providing a luxurious contrast to the spice of the apple topping. It sets beautifully in the fridge, so there’s no need to worry about using gelatin or baking to get the right texture.
- The Apple Pie Topping
Perhaps the star of this dessert is the spiced apple topping. It’s made with chopped fresh apples sautéed in butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. The apples are cooked just until tender, releasing their juices and developing that signature fall flavor. For extra thickness, a tiny bit of cornstarch can be stirred in, but this is optional if you prefer a more rustic, saucy topping.
Ideal Occasions to Serve
While this dessert is perfect year-round, it truly shines during autumn and winter festivities. Here are just a few occasions where these mini cheesecakes can steal the spotlight:
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Thanksgiving Dinner – A fresh take on the traditional pie lineup.
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Holiday Potlucks – Easy to transport and serve, no slicing required.
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Gift Giving – Pack them in mason jars with a holiday tag for a homemade gift.
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Dinner Parties – Elegant, individual portions that make entertaining stress-free.
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Picnics or Outdoor Events – Since they’re served in jars, they travel well and don’t require special plating.
They’re also great for anyone who likes portion control or needs to accommodate guests with different dietary needs, just swap in gluten-free graham crackers or use plant-based cream cheese for vegan variations.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
These cheesecakes are incredibly flexible. Here are a few ingredient swaps or upgrades you can consider:
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Graham Cracker Crust: Try crushed gingersnap cookies or digestive biscuits for a spicy twist.
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Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for best texture, but lower-fat versions work in a pinch.
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Whipping Cream: Substitute with Cool Whip for convenience, though the flavor may differ slightly.
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Apples: Granny Smiths are great for tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji provide natural sweetness.
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Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth, but you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar for a unique flavor profile.
For a more adult version, you can even splash a little bourbon or spiced rum into the apple topping for a subtle kick.
Presentation Tips
The beauty of these cheesecakes lies in their presentation. Using clear jars or glasses showcases the beautiful layers and adds a touch of elegance. Small mason jars, parfait glasses, or even wine tumblers can work beautifully. Here are a few extra touches that will make your dessert look as good as it tastes:
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Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
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Add a mini cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice as garnish.
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Serve chilled with mini spoons for an adorable, photo-worthy presentation.
For holiday meals or special events, tie a piece of twine or ribbon around each jar for an extra festive flair. Add a label or chalkboard sticker with the dessert name or your guests’ names to double as place settings.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the biggest perks of this dessert is that it’s make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the crust and cheesecake layer up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge. The apple topping can also be made ahead and stored separately. For best texture, assemble the topping just before serving or up to a few hours in advance.
If fully assembled, these jars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover them tightly to keep them from absorbing other fridge odors. They do not freeze well due to the whipped cream and fresh apples, so it’s best to enjoy them within a few days.
Healthier Variations
If you’re looking to lighten things up, there are a few easy swaps you can make:
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Lower the sugar: Reduce or use natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, or monk fruit.
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Use Greek yogurt: Substitute some or all of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
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Go crustless: Serve the filling and topping in cups without the graham cracker layer for a low-carb version.
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Plant-based swaps: Choose dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan butter to make a fully vegan version.
Conclusion
Mini No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecakes are the kind of dessert that checks every box. They’re easy to make, require no baking, are endlessly adaptable, and offer that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, spiced, and sweet. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread, planning gifts for friends, or just craving something seasonal and satisfying, this dessert delivers on all fronts.
And with their beautiful layered look and cozy flavors, they offer the comfort of fall in every single spoonful. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new seasonal favorite in your kitchen.