Apple Crisp Cheesecake Perfection: 1 Amazing Recipe

Apple crisp cheesecake has become my absolute go-to dessert, especially when those crisp autumn days roll around. I remember the first time I tried a slice at a local bakery – the creamy tang of the cheesecake, the sweet spiced apples, and that perfectly crunchy streusel topping just sang to my taste buds! It was pure bliss. This recipe for baked apple cheesecake with crumble topping is my attempt to recapture that magic right in my own kitchen, and I’ve finally perfected it. It’s an easy apple crisp cheesecake that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, proving you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create something truly spectacular. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This dessert is a true showstopper, combining classic flavors in a delightful new way. Here’s why you’ll be making this apple crisp cheesecake recipe again and again:

• It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy cheesecake and sweet, spiced apples.
• The crunchy cinnamon oat streusel topping adds an irresistible texture contrast.
• This easy apple crisp cheesecake is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it great for any skill level.
• It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or any time you crave a taste of fall.
• The aroma as it bakes will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of cinnamon and baked apples.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as impressive as it tastes.
• Enjoy the best apple crisp cheesecake experience with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible apple crisp cheesecake. I’ve found that using room temperature ingredients for the filling ensures a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture, free of lumps. The combination of sweet apples, tangy cream cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping makes this dessert truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need for this homemade apple crisp cheesecake:

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – this is the backbone of our creamy cheesecake
• 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – adds a lovely caramel note and moisture
• 1 cup sour cream – for that signature tangy richness
• 3 large eggs – helps bind everything together
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – to complement the apples

Ingredients for the Crust

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs – I like to crush my own for the freshest flavor
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crumbs together for a sturdy base

Ingredients for the Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats – provides a delightful chewiness and crunch
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – to hold the topping together
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – for that classic warm spice

Ingredients for the Apples

• 4 cups apples, thinly sliced – Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, balancing the sweetness
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – to sweeten the apples
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – enhancing the apple flavor

How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Now for the fun part – bringing this delicious apple crisp cheesecake recipe to life! Don’t worry if you’ve never made a cheesecake before; this recipe is designed to be straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it. The aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen as this bakes is just heavenly.

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until the oats are evenly coated. Crumble this mixture with your fingers and set it aside in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps it get nice and crunchy.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Thinly slice your 4 cups of Granny Smith apples. In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Make sure each slice is coated. Pop these into the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 3: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Gently mix in 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 large eggs, one at a time, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

Once the crust has cooled, carefully pour the cheesecake filling over it, spreading it evenly. Arrange the prepared apple slices in a single layer over the filling. Finally, generously sprinkle the chilled streusel mixture over the apples, ensuring a nice, even coating for that classic apple crisp topping.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake

Reduce your oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a water bath by wrapping the outside of your springform pan tightly with foil. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and carefully add hot water to the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and ensures a beautiful finish for your baked apple cheesecake with crumble topping.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly and for the flavors to meld. Slice and serve your incredible homemade apple crisp cheesecake cold.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Achieving that perfect texture and flavor for your apple crisp cheesecake is all about a few key techniques. I’ve learned these tricks over many baking adventures, and they make all the difference for a truly spectacular dessert. Following these simple steps will elevate your homemade apple crisp cheesecake from good to absolutely unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little, but these basics will set you up for success every time.

• Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for the filling to ensure a luxuriously smooth, lump-free texture.
• A water bath is your best friend for preventing cracks and ensuring the cheesecake bakes evenly. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven and then chilling overnight is essential for the best set and flavor. Patience truly pays off here.

What’s the secret to a perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake?

The true secret to an amazing baked apple cheesecake with crumble topping lies in the quality of your ingredients and the gentle baking process. Using room temperature cream cheese and a water bath are non-negotiable for that perfectly smooth, crack-free finish.

Can I make Apple Crisp Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This creamy apple crisp cheesecake is actually better when made a day in advance. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight after it has fully cooled.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Crisp Cheesecake?

The biggest pitfalls are overmixing the filling, which can lead to cracks, and not cooling it gradually. Always mix the filling ingredients until just combined, and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the turned-off oven.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This decadent apple crisp cheesecake dessert is a star on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate it even further. For a truly classic combination, I love serving a slice of this creamy apple crisp cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside is also divine, creating a delightful temperature contrast.

If you’re looking for something a little different, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence that perfectly complements the spiced apples and rich cheesecake. You could even serve it with a side of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter, tangy counterpoint. Whichever way you choose, this apple crisp cheesecake is sure to impress!

Nutrition Facts for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This delightful apple crisp cheesecake offers a wonderful balance of flavor and richness. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 12 slices), so you know what deliciousness you’re indulging in:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 230 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade apple crisp cheesecake.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Properly storing your delicious apple crisp cheesecake is key to keeping it fresh and tasting its best. Once your cheesecake has completely cooled to room temperature after baking, it’s time to get it ready for storage. I like to use an airtight container or cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This prevents it from absorbing any fridge odors.

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this baked apple cheesecake with crumble topping will stay delightful for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with leftovers that you won’t get through within that timeframe, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat a frozen slice, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re reheating a refrigerated slice, you can enjoy it chilled, or warm it gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, you can certainly use other firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for your apple crisp cheesecake. Just ensure they are sliced thinly so they cook through nicely.

What’s the best way to get a smooth cheesecake filling?

The key to a smooth, creamy filling for your homemade apple crisp cheesecake is to ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. Beat the cream cheese and sugars until completely smooth before adding other ingredients, and mix the eggs in one at a time until just combined. Avoid overmixing!

How do I store leftover apple crisp cheesecake?

Leftover apple crumble cheesecake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. The topping might soften a bit, but the flavor remains fantastic.

Can I make a no-bake version of this apple crisp cheesecake?

While this recipe is for a baked version, you could adapt it into a no bake apple crisp cheesecake by using a no-bake crust and a filling that doesn’t require eggs. You’d likely need to adjust the topping as well, perhaps using a granola or crushed cookies instead of baked oats.

Variations of Apple Crisp Cheesecake You Can Try

While this classic apple crisp cheesecake recipe is divine on its own, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! If you’re looking for a vegan apple crisp cheesecake, you can substitute the cream cheese with a cashew-based filling and use vegan butter for the crust and topping. For those avoiding gluten, a simple swap to a gluten-free graham cracker crust or even a nut-based crust will work beautifully for a gluten-free apple crisp cheesecake.

You can also play with the flavors! Add a handful of dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a tart kick, or incorporate a touch of bourbon or rum into the filling for an adult twist. For a quicker treat, consider turning this into apple crisp cheesecake bars by baking it in a rectangular pan and cutting it into bars after chilling. Each variation offers a unique way to enjoy the beloved flavors of apple crisp and cheesecake.

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