Caramel Apple Chai Cheesecake Cake (Print View)
Chai cake and cheesecake meet apples and caramel for a playful, layered skewer with decadent fall flavor.
# Components:
→ 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 blend for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice blend. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract; blend until creamy.
04 - Fill each muffin cup with a heaping tablespoon of chai cake batter. Add one tablespoon of cheesecake mixture on top, then repeat with another layer of chai cake batter. Fill cups to about three-quarters full.
05 - Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool muffins completely on a wire rack.
06 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, until apples are caramelized and tender, about five to seven minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
07 - Once cooled, slice each muffin horizontally into two even rounds.
08 - On each skewer, thread a slice of muffin, spoonful of apple filling, and drizzle of caramel sauce. Repeat to create two to three layers, finishing with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of chai spice if desired.
09 - Serve immediately, or for firmer texture, chill assembled skewers for fifteen minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Layered fall flavors in every bite
- Playful skewer presentation for parties
02 -
- You can substitute pears for apples for a different fruit flavor
- Pairs especially well with chai tea or spiced cider
03 -
- For a shortcut, use store-bought chai muffins and cheesecake bites
- Add crushed pecans between layers for a nutty crunch