Caramel Apple Chai Cheesecake (Printable)
Chai-spiced muffin layers, cheesecake, apple filling, and caramel create playful skewers with rich autumn flavors.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chai Cake
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper)
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cheesecake Layer
11 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 large egg
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
15 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Caramel Sauce
20 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce
→ Muffin Skewer Assembly
21 - 8 wooden or bamboo skewers
22 - Optional: extra chai spice for garnish
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir wet ingredients into dry mixture until just blended.
03 - Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Incorporate egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy and uniform.
04 - Add one heaping tablespoon of chai cake batter into each muffin liner. Top with one tablespoon of cheesecake mixture, then another layer of chai cake batter to fill each liner about three-quarters full.
05 - Bake muffins for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean. Transfer muffins to a wire rack and cool completely.
06 - Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly, until apples are tender and caramelized, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool.
07 - Slice each cooled muffin horizontally into two even rounds.
08 - For each skewer, alternate threading a muffin slice, a spoonful of apple filling, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, repeating for two to three layers. Finish with extra caramel and a light sprinkle of chai spice, if desired.
09 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate skewers for 15 minutes for a firmer set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Layers of contrasting textures and flavors
- Fun, portable presentation for parties
02 -
- You can substitute pears for apples for a twist
- Add crushed pecans for nutty crunch if desired
03 -
- Use store-bought muffins and cheesecake as a shortcut
- Pairs perfectly with chai tea or spiced cider