No-Bake Dulce de Leche Apple Cheesecake Cups

Serves 4 · 25 min prep

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch pinch of kosher salt
• 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans

Instructions

1. 1Melt the butter and stir it into the graham crumbs with salt until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when pressed.
2. 2Divide the crumb mixture among four small jars or glasses and press firmly into an even base layer using the back of a spoon.
3. 3In a mixing bowl beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 1 minute on medium speed.
4. 4Add the dulce de leche, powdered sugar, and vanilla and continue beating until the filling is silky and evenly caramel-colored.
5. 5In a separate cold bowl whip the heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the dulce mixture in two additions so the filling stays light.
6. 6Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crusts, smoothing the tops, then chill the jars uncovered for at least 45 minutes while you prepare the fruit.
7. 7Dice the apples into small 1/4-inch pieces, toss immediately with lime juice and cinnamon, and let them sit 5 minutes so the flavors brighten.
8. 8Spoon the spiced apple dice over the chilled filling and finish each cup with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch.
9. 9Return the jars to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes so the apples chill and the layers set firmly.
10. 10Serve cold straight from the jars; the contrast of creamy caramel filling, crisp apple, and buttery crumbs is ready whenever after-school hunger hits.