Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe: A Cozy Autumn Treat

My weekend baking adventures with apple crisp cheesecake always spark excitement among my closest friends.

Crisp autumn mornings inspire delightful dessert experiments in my kitchen.

Sweet apples nestled atop creamy cheesecake create magic that whispers comfort and warmth.

Layers of cinnamon-kissed fruit blend seamlessly with rich cream cheese goodness.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a memorable treat that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Fragrant spices weave through each decadent bite, connecting memories and flavors.

We crave something special that celebrates fall’s most cherished ingredients.

Come experience a dessert that turns simple moments into delectable celebrations.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake for Seasonal Desserts

  • Transforms classic apple crisp into a luxurious cheesecake with layers of rich, creamy texture and warm spices.
  • Requires basic baking skills and common ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels who want to impress without complex techniques.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts that appeal to both adults and children with its comforting flavors and beautiful presentation.
  • Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, reducing day-of stress and allowing flavors to meld beautifully while providing convenient entertainment-ready dessert option.

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Cheesecake Cravings

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Unsalted Butter: Classic base for cheesecake with buttery, sweet foundation that holds the dessert together. Select fresh graham crackers for best texture.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that creates creamy texture. Full-fat version recommended for best results.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances cream cheese flavor. Use granulated white sugar.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and binding for the cheesecake. Fresh eggs at room temperature work best.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra moisture to the filling. Choose full-fat version for richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes. Pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
Apple and Topping Ingredients:
  • Apples, Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spiced fruit layer that adds seasonal flavor. Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Flour, Oats, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cold Butter: Crumbly, textured topping with sweet and spicy character. Use cold butter for best crisp texture.

How to Prepare Apple Crisp Cheesecake at Home

Step 1: Create Crunchy Foundation

Warm oven to 350F. Coat springform pan with cooking spray. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Blend crackers with melted butter and sugar until mixture feels like wet sand. Press firmly into pan bottom. Bake briefly until golden, about 8-10 minutes. Allow crust to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing. Incorporate eggs one at a time. Stir in:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until completely blended. Pour filling over cooled crust. Smooth surface evenly.

Step 3: Layer Spiced Apple Goodness

Dice fresh apples into small chunks. Toss apples with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Distribute apple mixture gently across cheesecake surface.

Step 4: Construct Crispy Topping

Combine dry ingredients in bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Cut cold butter into mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle topping generously over apples.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Place cheesecake in oven. Bake 55-65 minutes until edges set and center slightly jiggles. Remove and cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate cheesecake 4-6 hours or overnight. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove from springform pan. Cut into elegant slices. Optional: Drizzle caramel sauce on top.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Choose Fresh, Crisp Apples: Select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a delightful tartness to balance the creamy cheesecake.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Pat apple pieces dry with paper towels before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the graham cracker base soggy and losing its delightful crunch.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to sit at room temperature for smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly and bakes evenly.
  • Control Baking Doneness: Watch the cheesecake closely during final minutes of baking; a slightly jiggly center indicates perfect texture, preventing dry or cracked surface when cooling.
  • Enhance Make-Ahead Potential: This dessert tastes even better when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile that will impress your guests.

How to Store Apple Crisp Cheesecake Properly

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften naturally.
  • Top with fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving to revive the flavors and enhance the presentation.

Drinks and Sides with Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Craft a comforting bourbon-based drink with vanilla and honey, matching the cheesecake's rich, sweet profile and complementing its warm spices.
  • Create a light, airy topping blending fresh whipped cream and ground cinnamon, echoing the dessert's apple and spice notes while adding creamy texture.
  • Select a smooth, amber rum with caramel undertones that mirrors the dessert's deep, complex flavors and adds a sophisticated drinking experience.
  • Serve a warm, lightly spiced apple cider that harmonizes with the cheesecake's apple elements and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy dessert.

Fun Variations for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free oats for the crisp topping to ensure no cross-contamination.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacer to maintain texture and binding.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use tart apples like Granny Smith to reduce overall sweetness. Choose a low-sugar graham cracker alternative for the crust.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cream cheese made from almonds or coconut. Select plant-based butter substitute. Incorporate coconut cream instead of sour cream to maintain rich, creamy consistency.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and bake in a water bath. Also, let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.

  • Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare this cheesecake in advance?

Definitely! You can make the entire cheesecake up to 3 days before serving. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and enjoy.

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Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent apple crisp cheesecake marries creamy cheesecake with classic apple crisp in a delightful dessert fusion. Cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble crown a rich, silky cheesecake base that will make you crave another slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (40 grams) old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 cups (200 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (55 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press the blend firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan, creating an even base layer.
  2. Toast the crust in a preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow it to cool completely.
  3. Whip cream cheese and sugar together until velvety smooth, incorporating eggs individually to maintain a silky texture. Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  4. Pour the luxurious cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an uniform surface.
  5. Prepare the apple layer by tossing diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, coating each piece thoroughly with the aromatic spice blend.
  6. Distribute the seasoned apple pieces evenly across the cheesecake filling, creating a vibrant and textured landscape.
  7. Create a rustic crisp topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
  8. Generously sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Bake the assembled cheesecake for 55-65 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly wobbly center.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve perfect consistency.
  11. Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice into elegant portions, and optionally embellish with a caramel sauce drizzle before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent apple browning by tossing diced apples in lemon juice before adding to the cheesecake to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation.
  • Create a perfectly smooth cheesecake by bringing cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing, which helps prevent lumps and ensures even blending.
  • Reduce soggy bottom issues by patting apple pieces dry with paper towels and sprinkling a thin layer of breadcrumbs beneath the apple layer to absorb excess moisture.
  • Customize the crisp topping by experimenting with nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and depth of flavor, making the dessert more interesting and personalized.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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