Apple Crisp Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake: Just the name alone conjures up images of cozy autumn evenings, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, decadent cheesecake, only to discover a delightful layer of warm, spiced apple crisp nestled within. It’s a dessert mashup of epic proportions, and trust me, it’s even more delicious than it sounds!

While the exact origins of combining apple crisp and cheesecake are shrouded in mystery (perhaps a happy accident in a busy bakery?), both components boast rich histories. Apple crisp, a comforting classic, has been gracing American tables since the early 20th century, offering a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the fall harvest. Cheesecake, with its roots stretching back to ancient Greece, has evolved into a beloved dessert enjoyed worldwide. This Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The creamy tang of the cheesecake perfectly complements the sweet and slightly tart apples, while the crunchy oat topping adds a delightful textural contrast. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special. Plus, the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making it the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. Get ready to experience dessert heaven!

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
• 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:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring the crust bakes evenly and doesn’t burn.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the crumbs are moistened. I like to use a fork to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure to press it evenly to create a solid base for the cheesecake. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help you achieve a smooth and even surface.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step helps the crust set and prevents it from becoming soggy later on. Let it cool completely while you prepare the apple crisp topping and cheesecake filling.

Making the Apple Crisp Topping:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, rolled oats, cubed butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
2. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is what gives the topping its signature crumbly texture. Don’t overmix!
3. Set the apple crisp topping aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is a very important step. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened, otherwise you’ll end up with a lumpy cheesecake. I usually leave mine out for at least an hour before starting.
2. Add the sour cream and mix until well combined. Sour cream adds a lovely tang and helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter and cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. These add a wonderful depth of flavor to the cheesecake.

Assembling and Baking the Apple Crisp Cheesecake:

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly to ensure a consistent thickness.
2. Sprinkle the apple crisp topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. Try to distribute the topping so that every bite has a little bit of apple crisp goodness.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps to prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool down gradually.
5. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
6. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop its full flavor.

Making the Caramel Drizzle (Optional):

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns a deep amber color. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the caramel!
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and salt. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
5. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the cheesecake.

Serving and Storage:

1. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the sides of the pan to help prevent sticking.
2. Drizzle the caramel sauce (if using) over the cheesecake.
3. Slice and serve.
4. Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Tips for Success:

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This is essential for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.
• Bake in a water bath (optional): A water bath can help to prevent cracking and ensure even baking. To do this, wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
• Cool the cheesecake slowly: This helps to prevent cracking.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours: This allows the cheesecake to set completely.

Variations:

• Add a layer of salted caramel to the bottom of the crust: This adds a delicious salty-sweet flavor.
• Use different types of apples: Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple crisp topping: This adds a nutty crunch.
• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: This makes the cheesecake even more decadent.

Troubleshooting:

• Cracked cheesecake: This can be caused by overbaking, overmixing, or cooling the cheesecake too quickly. To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake at a lower temperature, don’t overmix the batter, and cool the cheesecake slowly.
• Soggy crust: This can be caused by not pre-baking the crust or by using too much butter. To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the crust and use the correct amount of butter.
• Lumpy filling: This can be caused by using cold cream cheese. To prevent a lumpy filling, use room temperature cream cheese.

Conclusion:

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. The creamy, tangy cheesecake base perfectly complements the warm, spiced apple crisp topping, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and sophisticated. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, then this is it. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your baking repertoire. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s the best of both worlds! You get the comforting warmth of apple crisp combined with the decadent richness of cheesecake. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual weeknight treats. The combination of the creamy cheesecake, the sweet and tart apples, and the crunchy oat topping is simply irresistible. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is pure bliss!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing this Apple Crisp Cheesecake. For a classic touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Want to get creative? Consider these variations: * Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple crisp topping for a subtle kick. * Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping for added crunch and flavor. * Berrylicious: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) between the cheesecake and the apple crisp topping. * Individual Servings: Bake the cheesecake in muffin tins for adorable individual cheesecakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly. * Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in the apple crisp topping. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! The beauty of baking is that you can always adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your personal preferences. I truly believe that this Apple Crisp Cheesecake will become a new family favorite. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress, and it’s so much easier to make than you might think. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, and the ingredients are readily available. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a slice of heaven. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!

Print