Description
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and warm apple crisp flavors. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling layered with spiced diced apples, and a crunchy oat crumble topping, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and sweet autumnal spices. Ideal for cozy gatherings and celebratory occasions, serve chilled with optional whipped cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Apple Layer
- 2 cups diced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated to achieve a creamy batter.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to form a smooth surface.
- Prepare Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated in the spice mixture.
- Layer Apples: Spoon the spiced apples evenly over the cheesecake filling, distributing uniformly.
- Make Crumble Topping: Mix the flour, oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples layer, creating an even crust.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the assembled cheesecake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce over the slices for added richness.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure the apple layer retains texture after baking.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- If edges brown too fast during baking, tent the pan with foil to avoid burning.
- Allow sufficient chilling time for best slicing results and flavor development.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream and caramel sauce complement the dessert beautifully but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
