Description
A decadent fusion of creamy cheesecake and warm apple crisp! Buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples meet a smooth cheesecake filling, all topped with a crunchy oat streusel. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave something cozy and indulgent!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
For the Apple Layer:
3 large apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ tsp cinnamon
For the Drizzle (optional):
Caramel sauce for topping
Instructions:
Prepare the crust (10 min):
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool.
Make the cheesecake filling (10 min):
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Pour over cooled crust.
Prepare the apple layer (10 min):
In a skillet, cook diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.
Add the crisp topping (10 min):
In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Mix with your hands or a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over apple layer.
Bake the cheesecake (1 hour):
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until center is almost set. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve (5 min):
Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for that irresistible finish!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Cooling & Chilling Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 10–12 servings
#AppleCrispCheesecake #FallDessert #CheesecakeLovers #CozyBaking
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dessert. First, ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter, are at the proper temperature. For the crust, press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using a flat-bottomed cup. When making the filling, avoid over-beating after adding the eggs to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking. For the apple layer, do not overcook; the apples should be just tender but still hold their shape to prevent excess moisture. When assembling, gently spoon the cooked apples over the cheesecake layer to avoid sinking. For the crisp topping, ensure the butter is very cold to achieve perfect, pea-sized crumbles.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dessert is best served slightly chilled. For an elegant presentation, garnish each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A drizzle of warm caramel or salted caramel sauce adds a beautiful finish. Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling to complement the warm spices and sweet apples.
How-to Summary
Create this dessert by first baking a simple graham cracker crust. A smooth cream cheese filling is poured over the cooled crust. A layer of cinnamon-spiced, sautéed apples is added next, followed by a buttery oat streusel topping. The entire cheesecake is baked until set, then cooled slowly in the oven before thorough chilling. Finish with a caramel drizzle before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s ideal for making 1-2 days in advance. The flavors meld and improve, and the texture sets perfectly overnight in the refrigerator.
What are the best apples to use? Use firm, tart apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They provide the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking? Avoid over-mixing the filling, do not open the oven door during baking, and use the slow cool-down method described in the instructions. The apple and streusel layers also help disguise any minor cracks.
Can I use a regular pie dish instead of a springform pan? A springform pan is highly recommended for easy removal and clean slicing. If using a deep-dish pie plate, serving slices directly from the dish is best.
How should I store leftovers? Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crisp topping will soften over time but will still be delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm or melted butter for the streusel topping, which results in a greasy, flat layer instead of crisp crumbles.
- Overcooking the apples into applesauce, which releases too much liquid into the cheesecake.
- Skipping the gradual cooling process by moving the hot cheesecake directly to the fridge, which causes severe cracking.
- Not allowing the cream cheese to soften fully, leading to a lumpy filling.
- Pressing the crust too far up the sides of the pan, which can make it difficult to slice cleanly.
Conclusion
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the ultimate celebration dessert, masterfully combining two beloved classics. The process, while requiring some patience for chilling, is straightforward and rewarding. The result is a stunning, multi-textured treat with a creamy center, spiced fruit, and crunchy topping that is guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Embrace the cozy baking process and enjoy the delicious payoff.