Description
No-Bake Apple Cheesecake Jars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese cheesecake layer, and a warm cinnamon-spiced apple topping. Perfectly portioned in individual jars, this recipe combines creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors without the need for baking. These jars are ideal for gatherings or a quick yet impressive sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Crushed graham crackers
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of jars or serving glasses to form the crust layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, creating a light and creamy cheesecake mixture.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until apples soften and are coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat, allowing to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Jars: Spoon a layer of the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust in the jars. Top with the cooked apple compote. Repeat layers if desired to fill jars attractively.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, and drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture. Refrigerate the jars for at least 1 hour before serving to set the layers and chill the dessert.
Notes
- Use chilled heavy cream and a chilled bowl for best whipping results.
- Adjust cinnamon amount according to taste preference.
- If desired, substitute the apples with pears or peaches for variation.
- Make sure to let the apple topping cool before layering to prevent melting the cheesecake layer.
- These jars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
