When fall rolls around, all I can think about are crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and cozy desserts. If you’re looking for one of the most delightful thanksgiving desserts to add to your table, you’ve found it. These Thanksgiving Desserts: No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites are a true treat. They combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling and are topped with sweet, cinnamon spiced apples and a drizzle of caramel. It’s a wonderful dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
The best part? It’s a no bake recipe, which means you don’t need to compete for oven space during the busy holiday season. This makes it one of the best Simple Thanksgiving Desserts you can find. It’s all about easy prep and a whole lot of flavor, giving you a delicious homemade dessert without the stress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a favorite for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy. You get all the rich flavor of a classic cheesecake but without the fuss of a water bath or worrying about cracks. The combination of textures is just amazing, from the crunchy crust to the silky smooth filling and the tender, sweet apples on top.
It’s also a fantastic make ahead option for parties or holiday gatherings. You can prepare it the day before, letting it chill overnight, so all you have to do is add the topping and serve. It’s one of those Unique Thanksgiving Desserts that stands out from the usual pumpkin and pecan pies. Plus, who can resist a dessert that involves caramel apples? It’s a total crowd pleaser, especially for little ones, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving Treats For Kids.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 ¾ c graham crackers (finely ground)
- 1/3 c sugar
- 7 T butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- pinch of sea salt
For the Cheesecake
- 16 oz. block cream cheese, softened, full fat
- 1 c heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1/3 c confectioners sugar
- 1/3 c sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping
- 4 small/medium apples, cored and sliced thin, (skin removed if desired)
- 2 T butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 c brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1/3 c caramel sauce (plus extra for topping)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, finely ground graham crackers, vanilla, and sugar until everything is well combined. I find pulsing the crackers in a food processor gives the best fine texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch springform pan or pie pan. And I mean really press it down. Using the bottom of a measuring cup helps create a compact, even layer. Let it set in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until you’re ready to add the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Using a standing or hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream in a medium bowl on medium speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until it’s creamy and smooth. Then, add the vanilla, sour cream, and powdered sugar, and mix until just incorporated. Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is blended together.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over your chilled pie crust and spread it out into an even layer. Now for the most important part: chilling. Cover the pan and let the cheesecake chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours. For the best results and easiest slicing, chilling it overnight or for 12 hours is ideal. This patience will pay off, I promise!
Step 4: Cook the Apple Topping
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook, stirring regularly, until they have softened up, which takes about 5 or 6 minutes. Sprinkle the corn starch over the apples along with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir to combine everything and let the corn starch dissolve. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the caramel sauce, and mix well. Transfer the apple mixture to a separate bowl and let it chill until it’s completely cooled.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheesecake is fully set and the apple topping is cool, you’re ready to serve. Pour the chilled apple mixture over the top of the cheesecake. If you like, you can drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the apples for an extra touch of sweetness. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy every single bite!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which might be surprising, storing them is easy. Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 or 4 days. The graham cracker crust might soften a little over time, but the flavor will still be wonderful. I do not recommend freezing the finished cheesecake, as the texture of the apples and cream cheese can change upon thawing.
Tips
Here’s the thing, a few small tips can make this recipe even better. First, please, please, please let the cheesecake set completely before you add the apple topping. If it’s not firm enough, the cheesecake might get a bit messy or even look curdled. It’s just not worth rushing this step.
If you’re short on time, feel free to use a pre made graham cracker crust from the store. It’s a great shortcut that still results in a delicious dessert. Also, keep in mind this can be a bit of a messy dessert to serve. If you prefer neater slices, you can always serve the apple topping on the side and let everyone spoon it over their own piece. This works great for gatherings!
Conclusion
These Thanksgiving Desserts: No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites are a fantastic way to bring the flavors of fall to your holiday table. It’s a dessert that feels special and indulgent yet is so simple to put together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a reliable choice for a sweet and satisfying treat. It’s one of those Simple Thanksgiving Desserts that will have everyone asking for the recipe. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Apples?
Yes, absolutely! I like using apples that hold their shape well when cooked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Granny Smith will give you a tarter flavor to balance the sweetness, while Honeycrisp and Gala are sweeter. Feel free to use your favorite kind.
Do I Have to Use a Springform Pan?
A springform pan makes it much easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging it. However, if you don’t have one, a regular 9 inch pie pan will work just fine. Slicing and serving might be a little trickier, but it will taste just as good.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This is a great make ahead dessert. You can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling the day before your event and let it chill overnight. Just wait to prepare and add the apple topping until you are ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites
This delightful no-bake dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a drizzle of caramel. It’s a wonderful treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake:
For the Apple Topping:
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, finely ground graham crackers, vanilla, and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch springform pan. Let it set in the freezer for about 2 hours.
- Make Filling: Using a mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium speed until stiff peaks form. In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla, sour cream, and powdered sugar, and mix until just incorporated. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and spread it into an even layer. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight (12 hours) until firm.
- Cook Topping: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples and cook, stirring, until softened (about 5-6 minutes). Sprinkle corn starch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla over apples and stir. Remove from heat, stir in caramel sauce, and let cool completely.
- Serve: Once cheesecake is set and topping is cool, pour the apple mixture over the top. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Make Ahead: This is a great make ahead dessert. Prepare the crust and cheesecake filling the day before and let it chill overnight. Prepare and add the apple topping just before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time.
Tips: For best results, ensure the cheesecake is fully set before adding the topping to prevent it from getting messy. A store-bought graham cracker crust can be used as a shortcut.
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