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.
The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a fall festival and everyone loved assembling their own skewers. The apple-chai-caramel combination quickly became a family favorite at our holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: For the chai cake base
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both cake and cheesecake layers
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture to cake
- Whole milk: Enriches the cake texture
- Eggs: One for cake, one for cheesecake
- Baking powder: Leavens cake
- Baking soda: Ensures rise
- Salt: Balances sweetness
- Ground chai spice blend: Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth
- Cream cheese: Cheesecake layer
- Brown sugar: Sweetens apple filling
- Unsalted butter: For apple filling
- Medium apples: Peeled, cored, diced
- Lemon juice: Brightens apple filling
- Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce: For drizzling
- Wooden or bamboo skewers: For assembly
- Optional extra chai spice: For garnish
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners.
- Chai Cake Batter:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices. In separate bowl, whisk oil, milk, egg, vanilla. Combine wet and dry until just mixed.
- Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in egg and vanilla until creamy.
- Muffin Assembly:
- Fill muffin cups with cake batter, add cheesecake mixture, repeat with cake batter to fill 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake 20 to 22 minutes. Cool muffins on rack.
- Apple Filling:
- Cook apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice in skillet until tender and caramelized. Cool completely.
- Slice:
- Slice cooled muffins horizontally into two even rounds.
- Skewer Assembly:
- Thread muffin slice, apple filling, caramel sauce onto skewer, repeat for layers. Top with extra caramel and chai spice.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or chill 15 minutes.
Save My kids love putting the skewers together with extra caramel, making it a hands-on dessert for the whole family after dinner.
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 using pecans. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per skewer: Calories: 340. Total Fat: 16 g. Carbohydrates: 45 g. Protein: 5 g.
Save This whimsical dessert looks impressive and tastes like autumn in every bite. Enjoy building your own skewers and savoring a medley of flavors and textures!
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use store-bought muffins for this dessert?
Yes, store-bought chai muffins and cheesecake bites can save prep time and still offer great flavor.
- → What can I substitute for apples?
Pears work well as a substitute, adding a different taste and texture to the layered skewer.
- → How do I know when the muffins are baked?
Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean from the cake part when muffins are ready.
- → What drinks pair nicely with this dessert?
Spiced cider or chai tea are excellent choices, complementing the warm spice notes of the dessert.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Crushed pecans between layers add a nutty crunch and extra flavor, if no allergies are present.
- → How should leftover skewers be stored?
Refrigerate leftover assembled skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.