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.
I created these muffin skewers for a fall gathering, and they were the star of the dessert table. Guests loved the surprise of cheesecake tucked between the spicy chai cake and caramelized apples.
Ingredients
- Chai Cake: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cheesecake Layer: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp lemon juice
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- Muffin Skewer Assembly: 8 wooden or bamboo skewers, Optional: extra chai spice for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make Chai Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices. In another bowl, whisk oil, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Assemble Muffins:
- Fill each muffin cup with 1 heaping tablespoon of chai cake batter. Add 1 tablespoon of cheesecake mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of chai cake batter (cups should be about 3/4 full).
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
- Cook Apple Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring, until apples are tender and caramelized (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and cool.
- Slice Muffins:
- Slice cooled muffins horizontally into two even rounds.
- Skewer Assembly:
- On each skewer, thread a muffin slice, a spoonful of apple filling, a drizzle of caramel, and repeat for 2–3 layers. Top with extra caramel and chai spice if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for a firmer texture.
Save My kids love helping thread the muffin slices and apples onto the skewers. This become a memorable kitchen moment we share every fall.
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 (with pecan variation). Check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per skewer: Calories 340, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 45 g, Protein 5 g.
Save Drizzle a little extra caramel and sprinkle more chai spice just before serving for a festive finish.
Common Questions
- → How do I assemble the skewers?
Stack rounds of chai muffin, cheesecake, and caramelized apples onto skewers, layering each ingredient for visual appeal and flavor.
- → Can I use store-bought muffins?
Yes, you can save time by substituting store-bought chai muffins and cheesecake bites for homemade layers.
- → What can I serve with these skewers?
Pair with warm chai tea or spiced cider to highlight the spiced and caramel notes in the dessert.
- → Are any ingredient substitutions possible?
You may swap pears for apples or add crushed pecans between layers for extra texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve a firmer skewered dessert?
Chill assembled skewers for 15 minutes to help set the layers and create a firmer texture before serving.
- → Is this dessert vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients used comply with a vegetarian diet. Always verify labels for hidden animal products.