Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Imagine the creamy, luscious texture of a classic cheesecake combined with the warm, spiced flavors of apple crisp. This Apple Crisp Cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds, offering a dessert that is equal parts creamy, crunchy, and sweetly spiced. With layers of velvety cheesecake, caramelized apples, and a buttery oat topping, this dessert is perfect for cozy autumn nights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something special.

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This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the richness of a traditional cheesecake and the comforting crunch of an apple crisp. The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy base, while the crisp topping adds a delightful contrast in texture. It’s a dessert that will impress guests and satisfy your cravings for something indulgent yet familiar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A combination of flavors and textures: The creamy cheesecake filling is complemented by the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and the crunchy oat topping, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
• Perfect for fall: With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert captures the essence of fall, making it an ideal treat for the season.
• Versatile: While it’s a showstopper on its own, you can take it to the next level by serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the world of cheesecakes, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers impressive results. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering Apple Crisp Cheesecake.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dessert so special.

For the Crust:

• 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The base of any great cheesecake, graham cracker crumbs create a slightly sweet and crunchy foundation that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter binds the crumbs together, creating a firm crust that will hold up to the cheesecake filling. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the crust and helps it caramelize slightly in the oven, adding to the deliciousness.

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Apples bring a fresh, fruity element to the cheesecake. Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape and offer a nice balance of tart and sweet.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter enhances the richness of the apple filling as it cooks, creating a caramelized flavor that complements the cheesecake.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the apples, which pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon & 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: These classic spices bring warmth and depth to the apples, evoking the cozy flavors of fall.

For the Cheesecake:

• 3 packages (24 oz) cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake filling, cream cheese creates a smooth, rich, and tangy base. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs provide structure to the cheesecake, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. Adding them one at a time ensures a velvety consistency.

For the Crisp Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour & 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: These ingredients form the base of the crisp topping, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheesecake. The oats add a rustic texture and a hint of nuttiness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the topping caramelize in the oven, creating a golden, crunchy crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon infuses the topping with warmth and spice, tying together the flavors of the dessert.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is cut into the topping mixture, creating a crumbly texture that bakes up crisp and golden.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Don’t worry if you’re new to baking cheesecakes—this recipe is straightforward and packed with tips to ensure your success.

1. Prepare the Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The key to a perfect cheesecake crust is making sure it’s compact and evenly distributed.

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to smooth and compact the crust, ensuring an even layer across the bottom of the pan. This will give your cheesecake a solid base that won’t crumble when sliced.
3. Set the crust aside while you prepare the apple filling.

2. Make the Apple Filling

The apple filling is what sets this cheesecake apart. It adds a layer of sweet, spiced fruit that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 3 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced), 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
2. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are just softened and coated in a sweet, spiced caramel sauce. The apples should still have some texture—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the apples to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Now it’s time to make the cheesecake itself. This is the creamy, tangy layer that makes this dessert so irresistible.

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 oz of softened cream cheese (three 8 oz packages) with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully combined.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated.
3. Next, add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Overbeating the eggs can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes. Once all the eggs are incorporated, the cheesecake batter should be smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

Now for the fun part—assembling the layers!

1. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Layer half of the cooked apple filling over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly over the surface.
3. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top of the apples, and then add the remaining apple filling on top of that, creating delicious layers of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples.

5. Add the Crisp Topping

The crisp topping adds a delightful crunch to the cheesecake, making it truly unique.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir to combine.
2. Cut in 1/4 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important because the cold butter creates those crunchy bits that make the topping so irresistible.
3. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.

6. Bake the Cheesecake

Now it’s time to bake this masterpiece.

1. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden, and the crisp topping should be crunchy and golden brown.
2. Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the cheesecake set and prevents it from cracking.
3. After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up.

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Serving Suggestions and Tips

After all your hard work, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Here are some serving suggestions and tips for getting the most out of this dessert:

1. Toppings: Serve each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully with the warm spices and creamy texture.
2. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crisp topping will stay crunchy for the first day or two, but it may soften slightly over time.
3. Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of apple crisp. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, from the buttery graham cracker crust to the tender apples and crunchy oat topping.

Whether you’re baking this cheesecake for a holiday gathering or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and a crisp topping makes this dessert truly irresistible.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!