Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake brings together the rich creaminess of a classic New York-style cheesecake with the comforting warmth of a cinnamon apple crisp. The buttery graham cracker crust holds a luscious vanilla cheesecake, which is then topped with tender spiced apples and a golden, crunchy oat crumble. Every bite is a perfect balance of smooth, creamy, crunchy, and sweet  making it an irresistible dessert for fall and holiday gatherings. To elevate this cheesecake even further, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds a rich, indulgent touch that complements the tartness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon. Whether served at a Thanksgiving feast, a cozy family dinner, or simply as a treat for yourself, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is bound to become a favorite seasonal dessert.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Apple Topping:

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Gala)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons cinnamon

Crisp Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup quick oats
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Batter:

  • 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

To Serve:

  • Salted caramel sauce

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F (180°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan in aluminum foil and grease lightly with non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the Crust:
    • Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
    • Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
    • Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan.
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Cinnamon Apples:
    • Peel and thinly slice apples.
    • Toss with brown sugar and cinnamon.
    • Refrigerate until needed.
  4. Make the Crisp Topping:
    • In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats.
    • Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
  5. Prepare the Cheesecake Batter:
    • Beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth.
    • Mix in cinnamon and cornstarch.
    • Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
    • Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
  6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
    • Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
    • Arrange apple slices evenly over the cheesecake batter.
    • Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
  7. Bake the Cheesecake:
    • Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan.
    • Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches 1 inch up the sides.
    • Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set but slightly wobbly.
    • Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 30 minutes.
  8. Chill & Serve:
    • Remove cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
    • When ready to serve, drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours (including chilling) Kcal: 596 kcal per serving | Servings: 12

A Decadent Fusion of Two Classics

Few desserts can match the comforting flavors and textures of a classic apple crisp or the rich, creamy indulgence of a traditional cheesecake. But what if you could enjoy the best of both worlds in a single dessert? That’s where Apple Crisp Cheesecake comes in an irresistible combination of silky cheesecake, spiced cinnamon apples, and a crunchy oat crumble topping. This recipe is perfect for fall, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave a dessert that delivers a mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, looking for a show-stopping dessert for a family gathering, or simply want to indulge in a comforting homemade treat, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. The sweet-tart apples, buttery graham cracker crust, and warm cinnamon crumble come together to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and modern.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  1. The Best of Two Desserts – Traditional cheesecake is known for its rich and creamy texture, while apple crisp is all about the warm, spiced apples and crunchy oat topping. This recipe merges the two into a harmonious, flavor-packed delight.
  2. Perfect for Fall & Holidays – The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a touch of caramel makes this cheesecake a fantastic choice for autumn celebrations, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  3. A Showstopper Dessert – The layered look of this cheesecake, with its smooth filling, golden-brown oat crumble, and tender spiced apples, makes it a visually stunning dish that will impress any crowd.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly – Since cheesecakes require cooling and chilling time, this dessert is ideal for preparing in advance, allowing you to focus on other dishes when entertaining guests.

The Inspiration Behind This Cheesecake

Apple desserts have been a staple in baking traditions worldwide, from classic American apple pies to European apple tarts. Meanwhile, cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece and has since evolved into various styles, from New York-style cheesecakes to no-bake versions.

By combining apple crisp with cheesecake, this recipe elevates both into something unique yet familiar. The apples bring a natural sweetness and tartness that balance the creamy richness of the cheesecake, while the oat crumble adds a necessary crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture of the filling.

Choosing the Right Apples for Your Cheesecake

The key to achieving the perfect apple layer in this cheesecake is selecting the right type of apple. Since the apples will soften as they bake, it’s important to use a variety that holds its shape and offers a balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • Granny Smith Apples – These are the best choice for a slightly tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake. They hold up well during baking and don’t turn mushy.
  • Gala Apples – Slightly sweeter than Granny Smith, but still firm enough to maintain texture.
  • Honeycrisp Apples – A great mix of sweet and tart with a crisp texture that works well in baked goods.
  • Avoid McIntosh or Red Delicious Apples – These varieties tend to become too soft when baked, leading to a mushy texture.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy cheesecake batter, so let all dairy ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
  2. Don’t Skip the Water Bath – Cheesecakes bake best in a water bath (bain-marie), which helps to prevent cracks and ensures a silky-smooth texture. Wrapping the springform pan in aluminum foil protects it from water leakage.
  3. Let the Cheesecake Cool Slowly – Avoid drastic temperature changes by cooling the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open before refrigerating. This prevents cracking on the surface.
  4. Refrigerate for At Least 6 Hours – Cheesecake needs ample chilling time to set properly, which enhances the flavors and creates a firm, creamy consistency.
  5. Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and crack while baking.
  6. Use Quick Oats for the Crisp Topping – Quick oats create a finer, more cohesive crumble, making it easier to slice the cheesecake without the topping crumbling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is already a decadent dessert, but a few additions can take it to the next level:

  • Drizzle with Salted Caramel Sauce – The sweet and salty contrast enhances the overall flavor and pairs perfectly with the apple-cinnamon profile.
  • Top with Whipped Cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of elegance.
  • Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream – If you want to go all out, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of this cheesecake is simply divine.
  • Garnish with Toasted Pecans – Adding some crunch from toasted pecans or walnuts provides another layer of texture and a nutty richness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Since cheesecake requires several hours of chilling, it’s an excellent make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to store it properly:

  • Refrigeration – Store the cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The crisp topping will soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delicious.
  • Freezing – While cheesecake typically freezes well, the oat crumble topping can lose its crunch when thawed. If you must freeze it, wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy – Bake the cheesecake a day in advance and let it chill overnight. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving for the best presentation.

Conclusion:

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for those who love both cheesecake and warm, spiced apple desserts. With its creamy, rich filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and crunchy cinnamon oat topping, this treat offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.

It’s an excellent choice for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a comforting dessert to enjoy at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying cheesecake for the first time, following the tips and techniques in this guide will ensure a beautifully baked, flavor-packed dessert that will impress family and friends.