Apple Crisp Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake: the dessert you didn’t know you needed, but won’t be able to live without! Imagine the comforting warmth of a classic apple crisp, the sweet-tart apples mingling with a buttery, oat-filled topping, all perfectly balanced by the creamy, decadent richness of a New York-style cheesecake. Sounds heavenly, right?

Cheesecake, with its origins tracing back to ancient Greece, has evolved into a beloved dessert enjoyed worldwide. Apple crisp, a more recent invention, gained popularity in the early 20th century as a simpler alternative to apple pie. Now, we’re bringing these two iconic desserts together in a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

What makes this Apple Crisp Cheesecake so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, the soft, spiced apples, and the crunchy, golden-brown crisp topping. The combination of sweet and tangy notes is simply divine, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Plus, while it looks impressive, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it a show-stopping dessert that even novice bakers can master. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable creation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Apple Crisp Topping:
• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

Okay, let’s start with the foundation of our masterpiece – the graham cracker crust! This is super easy and sets the stage for all the deliciousness to come.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Make sure all the crumbs are moistened with the butter. This is key to a crust that holds together nicely.
2. Press into the Pan: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This helps create a solid base that won’t crumble when you slice into the cheesecake.
3. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy later on. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once it’s lightly golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the apple crisp topping and cheesecake filling.

Making the Apple Crisp Topping

Now for the star of the show – the apple crisp topping! This adds that warm, comforting apple pie flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. I prefer using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor, but feel free to use your favorites.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Add the Butter: Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is crucial for creating those little pockets of buttery goodness in the topping.
4. Combine with Apples: Add the diced apples to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the crumb mixture. Make sure every apple piece is covered!

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling

Time to get creamy! The cheesecake filling is what makes this dessert so decadent and irresistible.

1. Cream the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is the most important step! Make sure there are no lumps. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, it will be difficult to get a smooth filling.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Incorporate Sour Cream: Add the sour cream and beat until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage, as it can cause the cheesecake to crack.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Again, be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Vanilla and Cinnamon: Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until just combined.

Assembling and Baking the Cheesecake

Now for the fun part – putting it all together and baking our masterpiece!

1. Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Top with Apple Crisp: Sprinkle the apple crisp topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum apple-crisp goodness.
3. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
4. Cooling Process: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
5. Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop its full flavor.

Making the Caramel Drizzle (Optional)

If you want to take your Apple Crisp Cheesecake to the next level, a homemade caramel drizzle is the way to go! It adds a touch of sweetness and richness that perfectly complements the other flavors.

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Boil the Mixture: Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns a deep amber color. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily.
3. Add Butter and Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the unsalted butter and salt. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up when you add the butter.
4. Cool the Caramel: Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the cheesecake. It will thicken as it cools.

Serving and Enjoying Your Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving and enjoying our delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake!

1. Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Run a thin knife around the edges of the cheesecake before releasing the sides of the pan to ensure a clean release.
2. Drizzle with Caramel (Optional): Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
3. Slice and Serve: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled.
4. Enjoy! Take a bite and savor the creamy cheesecake, the warm apple crisp topping, and the sweet caramel drizzle. You deserve it!

Conclusion:

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The creamy, tangy cheesecake base, the warm, spiced apple filling, and the crunchy, buttery crisp topping all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you and your guests wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates the classic apple crisp and cheesecake into something truly extraordinary. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a sophisticated dinner party.

But don’t just take my word for it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith apples will give you a tart contrast to the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples will add a touch of honeyed flavor. You can also adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a warm, comforting touch.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a truly decadent experience, serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be divine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of salted caramel to the cheesecake base before adding the apple filling. The salty-sweet combination is simply irresistible.

Another variation you might enjoy is incorporating pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping for added crunch and nutty flavor. You could also substitute the graham cracker crust with a gingersnap crust for a spicier, more festive twist. And for those who are gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the crust. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family. The combination of the creamy cheesecake and the comforting apple crisp is simply irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece. I promise you won’t regret it. This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and, most importantly, how much you enjoyed it. Did you use different apples? Did you add any extra spices? Did you serve it with whipped cream or ice cream? I’m eager to hear all about your culinary adventures. Don’t be shy – share your photos and tag me on social media! Let’s spread the joy of this delicious dessert far and wide. Happy baking!