If you love desserts that bring together classic comfort and a little flair, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Picture a creamy, rich cheesecake base nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a satisfyingly crunchy oat crisp. It’s like your favorite apple crisp and cheesecake had a delicious love child. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smooth, tart, sweet, and crunchy textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you are making it for a holiday dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe is guaranteed to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet every item plays a crucial role in building those enticing layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the creamy cheesecake and the warmly spiced apples, each ingredient shines on its own and contributes generously to the final masterpiece.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These provide a crunchy, buttery foundation that holds everything together while adding a subtle sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both crust and filling to sweeten evenly without overpowering the natural apple flavors.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Gives richness and moisture to the crust and crisp topping.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering a smooth and tangy creaminess.
- Eggs: These bind the cheesecake filling and give it structure while keeping it silky.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the apples beautifully.
- Peeled and chopped apples: Fresh apples are essential for that juicy, tender fruit layer bursting with flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The key spice that brings warmth and enhances the apple’s natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps form the crisp topping with a perfect crumbly texture.
- Old-fashioned oats: Adds a hearty chewiness to the crisp topping, balancing the smooth cheesecake.
- Brown sugar: Imparts caramel notes to the crisp topping and contrasts nicely with the white sugar in other layers.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking. Combine your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan, forming a sturdy base that will hold all the delicious layers above.
Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and free of lumps. Add the eggs one by one, fully incorporating each before adding the next; this ensures a silky texture. Stir in the vanilla extract last for that aromatic touch. Pour this creamy filling gently over your prepared crust, spreading it out evenly to serve as the cheesecake’s rich body.
Step 3: Adding the Apple Topping
For the fruit layer, toss your peeled and chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon to coat every tender cube with warmth and sweetness. Spread this apple mixture thoughtfully over the cheesecake filling, creating a vibrant, juicy layer that will peek through the crisp topping beautifully once baked.
Step 4: Creating the Crisp Topping
Mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and sandy with some larger clusters. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy blanket that contrasts perfectly with the soft apples and creamy cheesecake beneath. Sprinkle it generously over the apples to cover them evenly.
Step 5: Baking and Cooling
Bake the whole creation for 60 to 70 minutes until the cheesecake is almost set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Keep an eye on the crisp topping and cover with foil if it starts browning too quickly, so it doesn’t burn. Once out of the oven, allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling step lets all the flavors meld and the texture firm up for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate your Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe to a new level of decadence. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and coolness that contrasts wonderfully with the warm spices in the apple topping.
Side Dishes
If you want to serve this as part of a dessert spread, consider fresh fruit like sliced pears or a bowl of mixed berries to add freshness. For drinks, a cup of hot spiced cider or a glass of crisp white wine complements the warm cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming and rustic look, serve individual slices on vintage china plates and sprinkle some extra oats or a cinnamon stick on the side for a cozy touch. You can also layer this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe in clear glass parfait cups for a festive presentation that reveals all the delicious layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once refrigerated, leftovers should be kept tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The cheesecake can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, allowing you to savor it over several delightful dessert moments.
Freezing
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it perfect for holiday prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy a slice closer to fresh, thaw frozen cheesecake slices overnight in the refrigerator. If you like your crisp topping a little warm, pop a slice in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving—just be careful not to dry out the cheesecake layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness well, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a milder or sweeter apple flavor. Just make sure they hold some texture after baking and aren’t too watery.
Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
While a springform pan makes it much easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging it, you could use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be extra careful when unmolding, and consider lining with foil for easier handling.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the crust and cheesecake filling a day before, refrigerate them, then add the apple topping and crisp topping right before baking. This will save you time on baking day while keeping everything fresh.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the graham cracker crumbs and all-purpose flour for gluten-free versions. Make sure to check your oats are certified gluten-free if you want the crisp topping to be safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats?
If you don’t have oats on hand, you can substitute with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the crisp topping. They’ll add a nice crunch and complement the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe blends the best of two beloved desserts into one unforgettable dish. Whenever you want to wow your friends or simply treat yourself with a comforting yet elegant sweet, this recipe is your ticket. So go ahead—gather those simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the cozy, creamy, crunchy joy of apple crisp cheesecake. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines a creamy cheesecake base with a sweet cinnamon-spiced apple topping and a crumbly oat crisp, creating a delicious dessert that blends classic flavors of apple crisp with rich cheesecake. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 large apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
- Make Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
- Prepare Crisp Topping: Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this crisp topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the assembled cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. If the top begins to brown too much, loosely cover the cheesecake with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Bake until the cheesecake is almost set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use a springform pan to make removing the cheesecake easier and prevent breaking.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- If apples are very tart, consider adding a little extra sugar to the topping to balance flavors.
- For easier slicing, run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake before releasing the springform pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but best enjoyed within 24 hours for freshness.
