Save A whimsical, decadent dessert featuring layers of chai-spiced cake, creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and caramel, all stacked on skewers for a playful twist on classic fall flavors.
I first made these skewers for a cozy autumn party, and they immediately became the star of the dessert table. Guests loved the playful layering—and the burst of spiced flavors reminded everyone of all the best parts of fall.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g) for chai cake, 1/4 cup (50 g) for cheesecake layer
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Large egg: 2 (1 for chai cake, 1 for cheesecake)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Ground chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper): 1 1/2 tsp, plus extra for garnish (optional)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for chai cake, 1/2 tsp for cheesecake
- Cream cheese (softened): 8 oz (225 g)
- Medium apples (peeled, cored, diced): 2
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp
- Caramel sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml), store-bought or homemade
- Wooden or bamboo skewers: 8
Instructions
- Prepare muffin tin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make chai cake batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices. In another bowl, whisk oil, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Set aside.
- Mix cheesecake layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble muffins:
- Fill each muffin cup with 1 tablespoon chai cake batter. Add 1 tablespoon cheesecake mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of chai cake batter, filling cups about 3/4 full.
- Bake and cool:
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare apple filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cool.
- Slice muffins:
- Slice cooled muffins horizontally into two rounds.
- Assemble skewers:
- On each skewer, thread a slice of muffin, a spoonful of apple filling, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and repeat to create 2 to 3 layers. Top with more caramel and chai spice if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for a firmer texture.
Save Last Thanksgiving, making these with my daughter turned into a sweet tradition. We laughed matching the layers, and everyone wanted a turn to help with the skewering.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, skillet, wooden or bamboo skewers, wire rack.
Allergen Information
Contains: Egg, Milk/Dairy, Wheat/Gluten. May contain: Tree nuts if adding pecans. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each skewer has about 340 calories, 16 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save These playful skewers bring a festive flair to any gathering. Enjoy every bite of this layered, autumn-inspired dessert!
Kitchen Questions
- → What spices are in the chai blend?
The chai spice blend typically features cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper for warm, aromatic notes.
- → Can I use store-bought muffins?
Yes, store-bought chai muffins and cheesecake bites can be used for shortcut assembly without compromising flavor.
- → How do I prevent muffins from crumbling?
Allow muffins to cool completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife helps maintain clean, even rounds.
- → What apples work best for this dessert?
Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance sweetness well in the filling.
- → Can this treat be made ahead?
Yes, you can prepare all components in advance and assemble skewers shortly before serving for best texture.
- → What drink pairs well with this?
Enjoy with chai tea or spiced cider to complement the warm flavors and dessert's cozy autumn feel.