Appel-Kaneel Philadelphia Cheesecake in Glaasjes Recipe

The Appel-Kaneel Philadelphia Cheesecake is a no-bake dessert served in glaasjes (small glasses or jars), making it a convenient and visually appealing dessert for any occasion. The flavors of apple and cinnamon blend harmoniously with the creamy, tangy Philadelphia cream cheese base. Instead of spending hours baking, cooling, and setting a cheesecake, this recipe cuts down on time, making it perfect for those who want a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

Each glaasje (glass jar) is layered with a buttery graham cracker or speculaas cookie crust, an apple-cinnamon mixture, and topped with the rich cheesecake filling. The combination of these layers creates a textural and flavor contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Why Choose No-Bake Cheesecake?

No-bake cheesecakes are incredibly popular for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: No need for baking, making it faster to prepare.
• Foolproof: No worries about over-baking or cracking on top.
• Refreshing: It’s light and chilled, perfect for warm weather or when you want a cool treat.

By adding the apple-cinnamon twist to this classic dessert, you’ll bring autumnal flavors to every spoonful, making it a hit for any season.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. This recipe can easily be adapted based on dietary preferences or availability of ingredients.

For the Apple-Cinnamon Layer:

• 2 large apples (preferably a variety like Granny Smith or Gala)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Cheesecake Base:

• 200g Philadelphia cream cheese (full fat for creaminess)
• 100g powdered sugar
• 200ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra freshness)

For the Crust:

• 150g graham crackers or speculaas cookies (for a spiced option)
• 75g melted butter

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish
• A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or caramel sauce

Tools You’ll Need

Here are the tools you’ll need to make your Appel-Kaneel Philadelphia Cheesecake in Glaasjes:

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Food processor (to crush cookies)
• Small glass jars or glaasjes
• Zester (if using lemon zest)
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making this delightful dessert.

Step 1: Preparing the Apple-Cinnamon Layer

The apple-cinnamon layer adds warmth and sweetness to the dessert. The trick is to soften the apples without turning them into mush. Here’s how to make it:

1. Peel and Chop the Apples: Start by peeling the apples and cutting them into small, bite-sized cubes. You want them small enough to fit comfortably in the glaasjes.
2. Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice to add a bit of brightness and balance the sweetness of the apples.
4. Set Aside: Once the apples are done, set them aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Base

The creamy cheesecake filling is the heart of this dessert. It’s rich and fluffy, with a slight tang from the Philadelphia cream cheese.

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside for later.
2. Cream the Philadelphia Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the Philadelphia cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you’re using lemon zest, mix it in at this stage.
3. Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the cheesecake light and airy.

Step 3: Preparing the Crust

The cookie crust gives the cheesecake structure and a satisfying crunch.

1. Crush the Cookies: Use a food processor to finely crush the graham crackers or speculaas cookies into crumbs. You can also place them in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. Mix with Butter: In a small bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Spoon into the Glaasjes: Divide the cookie mixture evenly between the glaasjes and press down to form a firm crust at the bottom.

Step 4: Assembling the Glaasjes

Now for the fun part – assembling the layers!

1. Add the Apple Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the cooled apple-cinnamon mixture on top of the cookie crust in each glaasje.
2. Add the Cheesecake Layer: Next, spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the apples, filling the glaasje almost to the top.
3. Optional Toppings: If you want to take it up a notch, add a swirl of whipped cream on top of the cheesecake layer, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a fancy touch, you could even garnish with a cinnamon stick.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the glaasjes for at least 2 hours, or until the cheesecake has set. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dessert its creamy, firm texture.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake in Glaasjes

While this recipe is relatively simple, here are some tips to ensure your Appel-Kaneel Philadelphia Cheesecake in Glaasjes turns out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the Philadelphia cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This ensures a smoother, lump-free cheesecake base.
• Don’t Overcook the Apples: You want the apples to retain some bite. Overcooking will result in a mushy texture that can affect the balance of the dessert.
• Whip the Cream Well: Ensure the heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture. This will give your cheesecake a light, fluffy texture.
• Chill Thoroughly: Chilling is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes, but ideally, refrigerate for 2 hours.

Variations on the Recipe

One of the best things about this cheesecake recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Swap the cinnamon sugar in the apple mixture for a rich caramel sauce. Drizzle extra caramel over the top for a decadent twist.

2. Berry Cheesecake

Replace the apple-cinnamon layer with fresh or cooked berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Berries pair wonderfully with the tangy Philadelphia cream cheese base.

3. Gingerbread Crust

For a more festive touch, replace the graham crackers or speculaas cookies with gingerbread cookies. This adds a hint of spice that complements the apples and cinnamon.

4. Chocolate Drizzle

For chocolate lovers, add a chocolate drizzle on top of the cheesecake layer before chilling. You could even fold in some mini chocolate chips for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

Appel-Kaneel Philadelphia Cheesecake in Glaasjes is perfect for a wide range of occasions:

• Dinner Parties: Serve these cheesecakes in glaasjes for an elegant yet easy-to-prepare dessert.
• Family Gatherings: These individual desserts are great for family events, where everyone can enjoy their own portion.
• Holiday Celebrations: The apple and cinnamon flavors are ideal for fall and winter holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

How to Store and Make Ahead

These cheesecakes can easily be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment:

• Fridge: Store the glaasjes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover them with plastic wrap or lids to prevent them from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
• Freezer: If you want to make them ahead for a later date, you can freeze the assembled cheesecakes (without any whipped cream topping). Just allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.

Nutritional Information

While desserts are meant to be indulgent, it’s always good to have an idea of the nutritional breakdown. Depending on the ingredients used, each glaasje will have approximately:

• Calories: 350-400 per serving
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g

Conclusion

Appel-Kaneel Philadelphia Cheesecake in Glaasjes is a delightful, no-bake dessert that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet spiced apples, and a crunchy cookie crust creates a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.

With its versatility and ease of preparation, you can experiment with different flavors and presentations, making it perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try? Your guests—and your taste buds—will thank you!