Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake and the warm, comforting flavors of apple crisp? If so, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe is exactly what you need! It's the perfect dessert to bring to fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or simply to enjoy a cozy night in. With layers of spiced apples, smooth cheesecake filling, and a buttery, crispy topping, this dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn how to create this show-stopping dessert, with tips and tricks along the way!
What is Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the marriage of two beloved desserts: a traditional cheesecake and a classic apple crisp. The base is made of crushed graham crackers, followed by a layer of creamy cheesecake filling. On top of the cheesecake sits a layer of spiced apples, and to finish it all off, a buttery oat crumble is spread over the top and baked to golden perfection. The result is a rich, creamy cheesecake with all the flavors of fall, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.
Ingredients List for Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for each component of this delicious dessert:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 graham crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Substitutions and Variations
While the recipe above will give you a classic and delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake, there are some substitutions and variations you can make depending on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of each regular egg.
- Nut Topping: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: For a little extra decadence, drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake before serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to make your Apple Crisp Cheesecake:

- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set the apples aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well-combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed until just incorporated. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth.
- Layer the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out into an even layer. Gently place the apple filling over the cheesecake layer, making sure to distribute the apple slices evenly.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the Cheesecake with the Crisp: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple layer, covering the apples completely.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the cheesecake loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
How to Cook Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Ingredients and Tools: Start by gathering all of your ingredients and tools such as mixing bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a springform pan, and parchment paper. Organizing everything in advance will make the process smoother.
- Crust Preparation: Make sure to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan so that it holds together after baking. A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup can help with this task.
- Cheesecake Filling: When mixing the cheesecake filling, be sure not to overbeat the batter. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks on the surface during baking.
- Layering: The cheesecake batter should be spread evenly over the crust to ensure an even bake. Similarly, the apple slices and crisp topping should be distributed evenly to maintain balance in each bite.
- Baking and Cooling: Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens vary. It’s important to allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating, as this helps the filling set properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Chilling Long Enough: Patience is key with cheesecake! Ensure you allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to get the perfect creamy texture.
- Overmixing the Batter: As mentioned earlier, overbeating the cheesecake filling can lead to cracks. Beat just until the ingredients are combined.
- Undercooked Apples: Make sure the apple filling is tender but not too soft. The apples should retain some texture to contrast the smooth cheesecake layer.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to desserts. Here’s how you can make your Apple Crisp Cheesecake look as good as it tastes.
- Garnish with Fresh Apples: Thinly slice an apple and fan the slices on top of the crisp for an elegant touch. Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add a Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top just before serving for extra sweetness.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is the perfect complement to this warm and cool dessert combination.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake
This cheesecake is best served cold, straight from the fridge. For an extra indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you're serving a crowd, cut the cheesecake into clean, neat slices using a knife dipped in warm water, wiping the blade between each cut.
Presentation Ideas for Apple Crisp Cheesecake
- Rustic Look: Leave the crisp topping slightly uneven for a more rustic appearance. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for a warm, cozy feel.
- Elegant Look: Decorate with thin apple slices and a dusting of powdered sugar for a more refined look, perfect for holiday dinners.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe Tips
- Prevent Cracks: To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, you can bake it in a water bath. Simply wrap the bottom of your springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with a couple of inches of hot water.
- Test for Doneness: The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when done. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your dairy ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sour cream) are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it's best to make this cheesecake a day in advance, as it needs time to chill and set properly.
Q: Can I freeze Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
A: Absolutely. Once the cheesecake is fully cooled, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: What apples are best for this recipe?
A: Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cheesecake. Honeycrisp is another great option for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Apple Crisp Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping. Whether you're looking to impress at a holiday gathering or just want to indulge in a comforting dessert at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Follow the step-by-step guide, experiment with variations, and enjoy the rich flavors of fall with every bite!
PrintApple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe is the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, crisp apple topping, and buttery crumble. Made with fresh apples, cream cheese, and warm spices, it's an ideal fall dessert that everyone will love. Keywords include apple crisp, cheesecake, fall desserts, and apple crumble cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Apples
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Oats
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a cheesecake crust with crushed graham crackers and butter.
- Blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour cheesecake batter into the crust and bake.
- In a separate bowl, mix apples, lemon juice, sugar, and spices, then add to the top of the baked cheesecake.
- Prepare crumble with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar, and sprinkle over apples.
- Bake until golden brown and apples are tender. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples for a balanced sweetness.
- Ensure the cheesecake cools completely for best texture.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
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