Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Crisp and Cheesecake are two beloved desserts, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile. Imagine combining the best parts of both — the creamy, tangy cheesecake base with a layer of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, all topped off with a crunchy, buttery oat streusel. The result is the ultimate Apple Crisp Cheesecake, a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and full of autumn flavors. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or just craving something indulgent, this dessert will satisfy both cheesecake and apple crisp lovers alike.

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What is Apple Crisp Cheesecake?

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a hybrid dessert that merges two classics: the creamy richness of a traditional New York-style cheesecake with the warmth and crunch of an apple crisp topping. The base consists of a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a velvety cheesecake layer, topped with cinnamon-sugar sautéed apples, and finished off with a crumbly oat streusel. Every bite delivers the perfect mix of smooth, creamy, tart, and crunchy textures.

This dessert is perfect for fall, but it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round. And don’t worry — it’s easier than you think to pull off this impressive dish! Let's dive into the ingredients and steps you’ll need to create this indulgent dessert.

Ingredients List for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Before we begin, gather all your ingredients to make this scrumptious Apple Crisp Cheesecake.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

For the Apple Topping:

• 4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Crisp Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is perfect as-is, you can easily make some substitutions based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a replacement for eggs.
• Add Nuts: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for a nutty crunch.
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Drizzle the finished cheesecake with caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Apple Crisp Cheesecake.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, making sure to create an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, and beat again until combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can add too much air to the batter, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.

Step 3: Sauté the Apples

1. In a large skillet, melt the 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Crisp Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Evenly distribute the sautéed apples over the cheesecake layer.
3. Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, making sure it covers the entire top of the cheesecake.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly when the pan is gently shaken.
2. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door cracked for about 1 hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.

Step 7: Chill the Cheesecake

1. After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
2. Once chilled, carefully run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan, then remove the springform ring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can incorporate air into the batter, causing the cheesecake to rise and then crack as it cools.
2. Not Letting It Cool Gradually: Rapid cooling can cause cracks. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven after baking for at least an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator.
3. Skipping the Crust Pre-Bake: Pre-baking the crust helps create a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, but with a few extra touches, you can make it even more irresistible. Here’s how to serve and present your dessert.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature: Allow the cheesecake to sit out for 10-15 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
2. With Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
3. Warm Apple Garnish: Sauté some extra apple slices in butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and serve them warm on top of each slice for an added treat.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice right before serving.
• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the cheesecake with powdered cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar mix for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Crisp Crumb Topping: If you want more texture, bake a little extra crisp topping separately and sprinkle it over the cheesecake right before serving.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother, lump-free filling.
2. Prevent Soggy Crust: If you’re worried about your crust getting soggy, wrap the bottom of your springform pan in aluminum foil before adding the cheesecake filling.
3. Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance, making it a perfect dessert for busy holidays or events. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

Yes, but it’s more challenging to remove the cheesecake cleanly. You can use a regular pie pan, but cutting and serving will be trickier, and it may not look as neat.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

3. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor, but you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile.

4. Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracking usually happens when too much air is incorporated into the batter or the cheesecake cools too quickly. To prevent this, avoid overmixing and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven after baking.

5. Can I use a water bath for this cheesecake?

While it’s not necessary, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath to help

prevent cracking and ensure even baking.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a decadent, mouthwatering dessert that brings together the best of two beloved treats. The smooth, creamy cheesecake pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced apples and crunchy oat topping, creating a dessert that’s rich in flavor and texture. Whether it’s a holiday dessert or a weekend baking project, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Follow the steps, add your favorite variations, and enjoy a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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