Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

The Perfect Fall Fusion: Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Sinking your fork into a luscious apple crisp cheesecake that blends creamy textures with cinnamon-spiced warmth.

Classic dessert lovers will adore this innovative twist on two beloved treats.

Layers of silky cream cheese mingle with tender, caramelized apple chunks nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust.

Hints of nutmeg and brown sugar weave through each decadent bite, creating a symphony of fall flavors.

Seasonal ingredients transform this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary, promising a memorable experience for anyone who tries it.

Home bakers can easily master this showstopping recipe with just a few simple techniques.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible sweet sensation.

Why Apple Crisp Cheesecake Is So Special

  • Capture Irresistible Flavor Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting spices of classic apple crisp, creating a dessert that tantalizes taste buds with every single bite.
  • Craft Textural Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, velvety cheesecake base, juicy cinnamon-spiced apple chunks, and the crunchy, buttery oat crumble topping that adds an exciting layer of complexity.
  • Master Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weekend treats, this apple crisp cheesecake offers a sophisticated twist on two beloved desserts that will impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings with minimal effort.
  • Simplify Baking Adventure: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently create this showstopping dessert, making it an accessible and rewarding recipe for anyone looking to elevate their baking skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base for cheesecake, providing a sweet and crunchy foundation.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps hold the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
Apple and Topping Ingredients:
  • Apples, Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Create a classic apple pie-like layer with warm, sweet spices.
  • Flour, Oats, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cold Butter: Form a crumbly, streusel-like topping with a rich, slightly crunchy texture.

Directions for Making Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Step 1: Craft the Crust

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a springform pan and give it a light butter coating. Line the bottom with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation. Pop it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool down and rest.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth. Crack eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract until everything looks perfectly combined. Gently pour this luscious mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Create the Apple Layer

In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with:
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Spread this spiced apple mixture across the cheesecake filling, creating a beautiful fruity landscape.

Step 4: Develop the Crispy Topping

Mix together in a bowl:
  • Flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Cold butter

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this golden mixture generously over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cheesecake into the oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges look set and the center has a gentle wiggle. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 6: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours – overnight is even better for maximum flavor melding.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice into decadent pieces. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving. Watch as everyone falls in love with this incredible dessert!

Helpful Cheesecake Tips for Smooth Results

  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples in lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during preparation.
  • Achieve Crumbly Topping: Ensure butter is ice-cold when mixing the crisp topping for maximum texture and flakiness.
  • Avoid Cheesecake Cracks: Bake in a water bath or place a pan of water on the lower oven rack to create humidity and prevent surface cracking.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Best Way to Store Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Refrigerate Carefully: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
  • Freeze for Later: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick and convenient dessert option.
  • Thaw Gently: Move frozen cheesecake slices to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. This method preserves the cheesecake's smooth consistency and prevents soggy texture.
  • Serve Chilled: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the cheesecake directly from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavors.

Great Matches for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Sip Warm Spiced Cider: Complement the apple crisp cheesecake with a mug of hot mulled apple cider, enhancing the dessert's warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes. The spices will dance perfectly with each creamy cheesecake bite.
  • Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a slice with a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast between the cool, creamy ice cream and the warm, spiced cheesecake.
  • Match with Caramel Bourbon Cocktail: Elevate the dessert experience by serving a smooth caramel bourbon cocktail alongside, which echoes the sweet and slightly boozy undertones of the apple crisp cheesecake.
  • Enjoy with Chai Latte: A smooth, spicy chai latte provides a complementary warmth and complex flavor profile that beautifully mirrors the cheesecake's rich, autumn-inspired ingredients.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Flavors to Try

  • Autumn Spice Fusion: Replace traditional graham cracker crust with gingersnap cookies and add extra warming spices like cardamom and allspice to enhance the fall flavor profile.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans into the crisp topping and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished cheesecake for added texture and rich depth.
  • Maple Bourbon Harmony: Swap some sugar with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the apple mixture, creating a more complex and sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Berry Crossover Blast: Mix diced apples with fresh raspberries or blackberries to introduce a tangy contrast and vibrant color to the classic apple cheesecake.

FAQs About Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Why do I need to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan?

Pressing the crust firmly ensures a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when you slice the cheesecake. This creates a solid foundation for your delicious dessert.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. The center should wobble like jelly when you gently shake the pan, which means it’s cooked perfectly without being overdone.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Definitely! Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor. Just choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking.

  • What if my crisp topping doesn't look crumbly enough?

When mixing the topping, use cold butter and work quickly with your fingers or a pastry cutter. If it’s too smooth, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to help it become more crumbly before sprinkling over the apples.

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Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent apple crisp cheesecake blends classic dessert comfort with creamy cheesecake elegance, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and rich cream cheese nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust promise a memorable slice of pure dessert happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 3 large eggs

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (200 grams / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) sour cream
  • ½ cup (115 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (55 grams / 2 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams / 2.3 ounces) brown sugar

Dry Ingredients and Spices:

  • 2 cups (200 grams / 7 ounces) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (60 grams / 2.1 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (40 grams / 1.4 ounces) old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Create a buttery, golden crust by pulverizing graham crackers and blending them with melted butter and sugar, then pressing the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan, baking briefly to set its structure.
  2. Whip cream cheese and sugar into a silky, luxurious consistency, gradually incorporating eggs to ensure a smooth texture, then fold in sour cream and vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
  3. Transform fresh apples into a fragrant filling by dicing them and coating with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a harmonious layer that will complement the creamy cheesecake base.
  4. Craft a rustic, crumbly topping by combining flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter, using fingertips to create a textured mixture that will provide delightful crunch and caramelization.
  5. Assemble the dessert by gently layering the spiced apple mixture over the velvety cheesecake base, then generously scatter the oat-based crumble across the top for a visually appealing and textural finish.
  6. Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven, allowing the edges to set while maintaining a slight wobble in the center, indicating the perfect custard-like consistency.
  7. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to help the filling set and intensify the flavors, developing a rich, decadent dessert.
  8. When ready to serve, carefully release the springform pan, slice into elegant portions, and optionally drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

  • Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Prevent apple browning by tossing diced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain fresh appearance and flavor.
  • Wrap springform pan exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage if using a water bath method for more even baking.
  • Cold butter creates the best crumbly texture for the crisp topping, so keep it chilled until ready to mix.
  • Reduce apple moisture by patting diced apples dry with paper towels to prevent soggy cheesecake base.
  • Customize recipe by using different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for varied tartness and texture.
  • Gluten-free option: substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies.
  • Make ahead and freeze entire cheesecake or individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months, perfect for advance preparation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 404
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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