Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

The Classic Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe: Cozy Fall Bliss

Have you ever dreamed of blending the classic comfort of an apple crisp with the creamy decadence of a cheesecake?

My latest culinary adventure merges two beloved desserts into one irresistible creation.

Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestle atop a rich, velvety cream cheese base that melts in your mouth.

Crispy oat crumbles provide a delightful textural contrast, making each bite a symphony of flavors.

Seasonal orchards inspire this recipe, celebrating autumn’s most treasured fruit with a delectable twist.

Delicate layers of sweet and tangy notes dance together, promising a dessert that steals the show at any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice of this show-stopping treat.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake That Blends Two Classic Favorites

  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines the classic comfort of apple crisp with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, creating an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, potlucks, or weekend family desserts that will wow everyone with minimal preparation time.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or satisfying spontaneous dessert cravings.

Inside The Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a crunchy and sweet base for the cheesecake, classic cookie texture works best.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Main creamy component, full-fat version recommended for best texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake, white granulated works perfectly.
  • Eggs: Helps set and bind the cheesecake filling, room temperature preferred.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake, pure vanilla recommended.
Apple Topping and Crumble:
  • Apples: Adds fresh fruit element, firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness to the apple layer.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor beautifully.
  • Rolled Oats: Gives crumble a hearty texture and nutty taste.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and bind the crumble topping.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the topping.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Instructions

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Instructions

Step 1: Craft the Buttery Graham Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

Blend with melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.

Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer that covers the entire base.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

Gradually add sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.

Gently fold in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Pour this silky mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust.

Step 3: Prepare Spiced Apple Layer

Slice apples into thin, uniform pieces.

Toss with:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • A touch of lemon juice

Arrange the spiced apple slices in an even, overlapping pattern across the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Crisp Topping

Combine in a bowl:
  • Rolled oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cold butter (cut into small pieces)

Use your fingers to mix until the topping becomes crumbly and resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Sprinkle generously over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake and Cool to Perfection

Place the cheesecake in a preheated oven.

Bake until the center is almost set and the topping turns golden brown.

The edges should be slightly puffed.

Remove and let cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cheesecake to set completely.

Pro Tips For Layering Apple Crisp Into Cheesecake

  • Select crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your cheesecake.
  • Lightly toast graham cracker crust before adding filling to create a barrier against moisture and maintain crispness.
  • Bring cream cheese to room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps in your cheesecake.
  • Refrigerate crisp topping for 15 minutes before sprinkling to help butter solidify and create a more defined, crumbly texture.
  • Use a hot, clean knife and wipe between cuts to get clean, beautiful slices of cheesecake without dragging the layers.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Handling Leftovers Right

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Slice the cheesecake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake slices to the refrigerator overnight. Allow to defrost slowly to maintain texture and prevent condensation.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and softness.

Side Notes for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Enhance Flavor Companions: Sweet Caramel Bourbon Drizzle pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy cheesecake texture, adding depth and warmth to each bite.
  • Complementary Beverage Match: Serve chilled Riesling or hard apple cider, which beautifully balance the dessert's sweetness and enhance the apple's natural tartness.
  • Textural Contrast Topping: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, crunchy crisp topping and creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Garnish Elevation: Sprinkle toasted pecans or candied walnuts on top to introduce a nutty crunch that amplifies the dessert's complex flavor profile and provides additional textural interest.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Variants

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust. Swap regular flour in the crisp topping with gluten-free flour blend or ground almonds.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew or coconut-based cream cheese. Substitute eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap graham crackers with almond flour or crushed pecans. Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Replace apples with lower-carb berries like raspberries or blackberries.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream cheese or almond-based cream cheese. Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil. Choose plant-based milk alternatives for added moisture and richness.

FAQs

  • What makes the apple layer special in this cheesecake?

The apple layer is coated with cinnamon and brown sugar, which creates a warm, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake base and adds a delicious autumn-inspired taste.

  • Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala. Firmer apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

  • Is it necessary to use graham crackers for the crust?

While graham crackers are traditional, you can substitute with other cookie crumbs like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Just ensure the crumbs are finely ground and mixed with melted butter to create a solid base.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The crisp topping should be golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach about 150°F when tested with a digital thermometer.

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Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent apple crisp cheesecake merges classic dessert flavors into one irresistible creation. Sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy cheesecake layers promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each perfect bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups (300 grams) apples, peeled and sliced

Crust and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) flour

Flavoring and Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Calibrate the oven temperature to 350°F and meticulously construct the graham cracker foundation for the cheesecake base.
  2. Whip cream cheese with granulated sweetener, eggs, and aromatic vanilla extract until silky smooth, then gently cascade the mixture over the prepared crust.
  3. Delicately tumble crisp apple slices with fragrant ground cinnamon and rich brown sugar, artfully arranging the spiced fruit across the creamy cheesecake landscape.
  4. Craft a rustic streusel topping by integrating hearty rolled oats, all-purpose flour, nuanced brown sugar, and melted butter, creating a crumbly texture that will crown the apple layer.
  5. Transfer the assembled dessert into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 50-60 minutes until the cheesecake sets with a gentle wobble and the streusel transforms into a golden-amber landscape.
  6. Remove from the oven and permit the cheesecake to cool completely, enabling the layers to harmonize and settle before slicing and serving this decadent fusion of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar quantities to create a lighter, healthier dessert option.
  • Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for varied texture and tartness in the crisp topping.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for a warm, aromatic twist.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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