Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Indulge in the Perfect Fusion of Tart and Sweet: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

• Tools Needed:
  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or small ladle
  • Saucepan for caramel

Ingredients and Their Roles

• For the Base:
  • 12 Pecan Sandies: Provide a crunchy, nutty foundation for the cheesecakes.
• For the Cheesecake Mixture:
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: The main body of the cheesecake, creamy and rich.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in the texture.
  • 2 eggs: Bind the mixture, adding to the richness and creaminess.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor depth.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a slight tang.
  • 2.5 oz freeze-dried apples, roughly crushed: Adds tart apple flavor.
  • 1 cup Kraft Caramel Bits: Introduces sweet caramel bursts.
  • 1 tablespoon flour: Helps to evenly distribute caramel in the mixture.

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• For the Caramel Topping:
  • 11 oz Kraft Caramel Bits: Creates a smooth, rich topping.
  • 2 tablespoons water: Thins the caramel for the topping.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat oven to 275°F.
   • Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners and place a Pecan Sandy in each.
2. Cheesecake Base:
   • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract and sour cream.
3. Incorporate Apples:
   • Fold in freeze-dried apple pieces.
4. Add Caramel:
   • Toss caramel bits with flour and fold into the batter.
5. Bake:
   • Fill each cup with the mixture and bake for 22 minutes.
6. Caramel Topping:
   • Melt caramel bits with water and top each cheesecake cup.
7. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

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Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 42 minutes (including chilling time)
• Servings: 12 cups
• Kcal per serving: Approximately 300 kcal

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

• Nutritional Highlights:
  • High in protein and calcium from the cream cheese.
  • Provides energy from the fats and sugars.
• Health Benefits:
  • Good source of dairy nutrients like calcium.

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Common Mistakes & Perfection Tips

• Mistakes to Avoid:
  • Overmixing the batter, leading to dense cheesecakes.
  • Underbaking, resulting in a too-soft center.
• Perfection Tips:
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Chill thoroughly before serving to set properly.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple and caramel with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!