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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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