Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines the best of two beloved desserts: the creamy smoothness of cheesecake and the warm, spiced goodness of apple crisp. This dessert offers the perfect blend of textures and flavors, with a rich, velvety cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon apples, and a crunchy, buttery crumble topping. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping fall dessert or just something delicious to enjoy with family and friends, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Apple Crisp Cheesecake brings together two favorite treats in one irresistible dessert. The combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced apple crisp is a perfect way to celebrate the fall season. The texture is divine, offering a balance of smoothness from the cheesecake, softness from the apples, and crunch from the oat topping. What makes this recipe even better? It’s easy to make! In under 30 minutes, you can have this dessert in the oven and ready to chill.
Main Ingredients for Apple Crisp Cheesecake
To make this delicious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a warm, spiced base for the cheesecake crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the graham cracker crust and the cheesecake filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for both the crust and the topping, adding richness and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake filling, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile, giving depth to the cheesecake.
• Cinnamon: The signature spice of the fall season, infusing warmth into the dessert.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the filling, ensuring it doesn’t crack during baking.
• Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together for a smooth, cohesive filling.
• Gala Apples: These apples are sweet and soft, perfect for this dessert. Other good options include Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn.
• Quick Oats: Provide the perfect texture for the topping, adding crunch without being too chewy.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
For those with specific dietary needs or preferences, here are a few swaps you can make for the Apple Crisp Cheesecake:
• Crust Alternatives: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or even an Oreo cookie crust for a unique twist.
• Sugar Substitutes: Use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. For a low-carb version, opt for a sugar substitute like erythritol.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use non-dairy butter in the crust and topping.
• Different Apples: If Gala apples are unavailable, feel free to use Granny Smith, Cortland, or Golden Delicious apples for varying sweetness and tartness levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together cinnamon graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9-inch springform pan.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and flour, then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the diced Gala apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Create the Crisp Topping: Combine flour, quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until everything is combined and clumpy. Use your hands to form larger crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Spoon the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer, and then sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples. Place the pan on a middle oven rack directly above a pan of water to create a steam bath, and bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Cool and Chill: After baking, cool the cheesecake on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours to set.
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake
• Steam Bath for Perfect Texture: A pan of water in the oven creates steam, helping the cheesecake bake evenly and reducing the chance of cracks.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before using them. This ensures a smooth batter and prevents lumps in the cheesecake.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the filling until smooth but don’t overbeat, as incorporating too much air can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best texture, allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 6 hours in the fridge to firm up fully before serving.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Apple Crisp Cheesecake
To elevate your Apple Crisp Cheesecake, try these pairing ideas:
• Toppings: Drizzle with salted caramel or a dollop of whipped cream to add extra richness and flavor.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would complement the warm spices of the apples.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping before baking.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Seasonal Delight
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, comforting treat. The combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crunchy topping creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it at your next get-together, and watch it disappear quickly! Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any apple lover. By combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the spiced sweetness of apple crisp, it creates a delightful experience in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, this dessert will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make, and its impressive layers and flavor profile are sure to win over anyone who tries it. Don’t forget to serve it chilled for the perfect texture and flavor combination!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Yes! While Gala apples are a great choice for their sweetness and texture, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the cheesecake.
2. How do I store Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Store your Apple Crisp Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it either whole or in individual slices. Just be sure to let it chill in the fridge before freezing.
3. Can I make the cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. After baking, allow it to cool and set in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight, for the best flavor and texture. It holds up well in the refrigerator, so making it ahead will save you time.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintApple Crisp Cheesecake
Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavor of apple crisp. This fall-inspired dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy oat crumble topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 – 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Gala apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a large sheet pan on the very bottom rack and fill halfway with water. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined springform pan.
- Beat the cream cheese and brown sugar until very creamy. Add the vanilla, cinnamon, and flour, and mix thoroughly.
- Add the eggs and mix until everything is mixed in. Do not overmix the batter.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture onto the prepared crust.
- Stir together the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Combine flour, quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until everything is combined and clumpy. Use your hands to form larger crumbs if needed.
- Spoon the apples onto the cheesecake batter gently. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Place the pan on the oven rack directly above the pan of water. Bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack. Cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the outside edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
- Cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to chill completely.
Notes
- Line the springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Using a steam bath (a pan of water in the oven) helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Allow all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid air bubbles that could cause cracks during baking.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly for the best texture before serving.
