Mini Caramel-Apple Cheesecakes

By boscobojo

Ingredients

• 5 small to medium gala apples (2 lbs. total)
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup plus 1 Tbl. sugar
• 1 Tbl. fresh lemon juice
• 8 graham cracker squares, finely chopped
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 11 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 3/4 cup sour cream

Preparation

Step 1

Peel, quarter and core the apples. Cut each quarter into 3 lengthwise slices. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 3 Tbl. butter over medium high meat. Add the apples, 6 Tbl. sugar and the lemon juice. Cook, turning occasionally, until the apples begin to caramelize, about 8 minutes. Lower the heat to low, add 1 Tbl. butter and cook until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Let cool.

Line 6 cups of a jumbo muffin pan with jumbo liners and preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a small pan, melt 2 Tbl. butter, then place in a medium bowl. Mix in the graham crackers and salt. Divide the mixture among the muffin cups. Press into the bottoms with a narrow drinking glass. Transfer to the freezer to set.

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Using a mixer, beat at high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl twice, until blended. Mix in the vanilla.

Arrange 5 apples slices in a single layer on the crust in each muffin cup. Reserve the remaining apples with their juices at room temperature in a covered bowl. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the cups; bake until set but slightly jiggly, about 20 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly and let cool for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 Tbl. butter over medium heat. Add the walnuts and 2 Tbl sugar and cook, stirring, until toasted, 4 to 5 minutes. Cool on paper towels, then break up the candied nuts.

Arrange the reserved apples with their juices on top of the cakes. Stir the remaining 1 Tbl. sugar into the sour cream. Top the cakes with the sour cream and candied nuts.