Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines two classic desserts into one unforgettable treat. It is creamy, spiced, and full of texture, making it perfect for special occasions. Despite its impressive appearance, it is straightforward to prepare and always earns compliments.
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Apple Crisp Cheesecake – Creamy, Spiced, and Comfortingly Indulgent
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with spiced apple filling and a buttery oat crisp topping for the ultimate fall-inspired treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Spoon apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly and sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes until center is set.
- Turn off oven, crack door, and cool cheesecake for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for best results.
- Chill overnight for clean slices.
- Serve with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs form the base of the crust, providing a sweet, slightly crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
Butter binds the crust together and adds richness to every bite.
Sugar sweetens both the crust and filling while balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Cream cheese is the heart of the cheesecake, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Eggs provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly while remaining tender.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth to the filling.
Sour cream adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Apples are the star of the topping. Firm varieties hold their shape and soften beautifully when baked.
Cinnamon brings warmth and classic apple crisp flavor.
Brown sugar adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the apple layer.
All-purpose flour helps thicken the apple mixture and forms part of the crisp topping.
Rolled oats create the signature crunchy texture of the crisp layer.
Nutmeg adds subtle spice and complements the cinnamon and apples.
Salt balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Directions
Preheat the oven and prepare a springform pan by greasing and lining the base.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake briefly and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fully combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing gently to avoid overmixing.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, flour, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spoon the apples over the cheesecake layer.
Prepare the crisp topping by mixing oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Bake until the cheesecake is set around the edges with a slight wobble in the center.
Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for several hours before slicing.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves twelve slices.
Preparation time is about 30 minutes.
Baking time is approximately 60–70 minutes.
Chilling time is at least 4 hours.
Total time is around 6 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store Apple Crisp Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Serve chilled or allow slices to sit at room temperature briefly before serving. Reheating is not recommended.
Variations and Customizations
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is easy to adapt to your preferences. For extra richness, a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice adds a beautiful finishing touch. I tried this for a holiday dessert, and it made the cheesecake even more indulgent.
You can swap some of the apples for pears for a slightly different flavor profile.
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping gives extra crunch and nutty depth.
For a stronger spice note, a small pinch of cloves or allspice can be added to the apple mixture.
If you prefer a lighter cheesecake, part of the cream cheese can be replaced with additional sour cream.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert is rich and satisfying, making it best enjoyed in moderation. It provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, with some protein from dairy and eggs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth filling.
Do Not Overmix
Gentle mixing prevents cracks and keeps the cheesecake creamy.
Proper Cooling
Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly helps maintain its texture.
FAQs
What apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal to make it a day in advance.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set, with a slight wobble in the center.
Can I freeze Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Yes, freeze without toppings for best results.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overmixing or sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes, a vanilla wafer or digestive biscuit crust works well.
Should I peel the apples?
Yes, peeling ensures a softer apple texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, slightly reducing sugar will not affect structure significantly.
Is this cheesecake very sweet?
It is balanced by tangy cream cheese and spiced apples.
What is the best way to serve it?
Chilled, with optional caramel sauce on top.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a comforting, elegant dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with warm, spiced apple crisp in one unforgettable bite. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a dessert that feels both familiar and special, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and quickly become a favorite.
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