Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe | Creamy, Crunchy & Perfect Fall Dessert

Oh, darling bakers, gather ’round! There’s a special kind of magic that happens when classic comfort meets creamy indulgence, and nowhere is that more true than with our delightful Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Imagine, if you will, the warm, spiced hug of an apple crisp dancing with the velvety embrace of a perfectly baked cheesecake. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors – crisp, smooth, sweet, and just a touch tart – a true celebration of autumn, no matter the season.

I can still close my eyes and feel the warmth from my grandmother’s oven, the scent of cinnamon and apples filling her cozy kitchen. That comforting aroma always meant something wonderful was baking, and it’s those cherished memories that inspired me to create this very special Apple Crisp Cheesecake. It’s a dessert that speaks of home, hearth, and the simple joy of sharing something truly homemade with those you love.

This recipe is not only incredibly rewarding to bake, but it also brings a touch of elegance to any table, making it perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend treat. It truly combines the best of both worlds, and I always recommend using room temperature cream cheese for the silkiest, most lump-free filling!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this exquisite dessert truly is a labor of love, beginning with simple, honest ingredients. We’re talking golden graham cracker crumbs for that perfect crust, rich cream cheese for an unbelievably smooth filling, and, of course, crisp, juicy apples that sing of harvest for our delightful Apple Crisp Cheesecake. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements waiting for you in the recipe card below, ready to guide your sweet adventure.

How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Bringing this beauty to life is a delightful journey in layers! We begin by pressing a buttery graham cracker crust into place, setting the stage for our creamy star. Next, we whip up that luscious cheesecake filling, pour it over the crust, and bake it gently until it’s perfectly set. While our cheesecake cools, we lovingly prepare a warmly spiced apple crisp topping, which then crowns our creation, adding that irresistible crunch. Finally, a little time to chill and settle, and your masterpiece of an Apple Crisp Cheesecake is ready to enchant!

Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This decadent Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling, topped generously with tender spiced apples and a crunchy oat crisp. It’s the ultimate fall dessert that perfectly balances creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Graham Cracker Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature

For the Apple Crisp Topping

• 4 medium-sized apples Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith recommended, peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small pieces

Equipment

• 9-inch Springform Pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric Mixer (stand or hand)
• Food Processor (optional)
• Small saucepan
• Apple Peeler/Corer
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Aluminum Foil
• Roasting Pan

Method

 

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the outside bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water bath leakage.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and crumbs are moistened.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp flour, vanilla extract, ½ tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat on low speed until just combined, scraping the bowl frequently. Do not overmix.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until incorporated. Overmixing after adding eggs can introduce too much air, leading to cracks.
4. Stir in the sour cream until just combined. The filling should be smooth.

Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
2. Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, ensuring the water comes halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a water bath (bain-marie) for even baking.
3. Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center (about 2-3 inches) still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the water bath for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks.
5. Carefully remove the springform pan from the water bath and remove the foil. Let cool completely on a wire rack for another 1-2 hours.

Prepare the Apple Crisp Topping

1. While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until apples are slightly tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a separate medium bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon for the crisp topping.
3. Add the cold, diced butter to the oat mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Final Assembly & Chilling

1. Once the cheesecake is completely cooled, gently spread the cooked apple mixture over the top.
2. Evenly sprinkle the oat crisp topping over the apples.
3. Refrigerate the Apple Crisp Cheesecake for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
4. Before serving, carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform collar.

Notes

For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sour cream) are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
Do not overmix the cheesecake filling, especially after adding the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracking during baking and cooling.
A water bath is crucial for a creamy, crack-free cheesecake. Ensure your springform pan is well-wrapped to prevent water from seeping in.
This cheesecake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Achieving that perfect, show-stopping Apple Crisp Cheesecake is easier than you think with a few of my tried-and-true tricks! These little nuggets of wisdom come from years of happy accidents and sweet successes in my own kitchen.

To ensure your cheesecake bakes evenly and avoids those dreaded cracks, I always recommend baking it in a water bath. Simply wrap the springform pan in foil, place it in a larger baking pan, and fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform. This gentle, moist heat works wonders!

For the creamiest filling imaginable, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature. This allows them to combine beautifully without overmixing, which can incorporate too much air and lead to a cracked top.

My Secret Trick: After baking, once you turn off the oven, leave the Apple Crisp Cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This gradual cooling prevents drastic temperature changes that can cause the cheesecake to sink or crack, ensuring a beautifully smooth finish every time.

Don’t rush the chilling process! This Apple Crisp Cheesecake needs ample time in the refrigerator (at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight) to fully set. Patience truly is a virtue here, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly firm and sliceable.

Fun Variations for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Part of the joy of home baking is making a recipe your own, and this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few creative twists I’ve enjoyed over the years, inspired by different seasons and cravings.

Caramel Swirl Delight

For an extra layer of decadence, try swirling some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the cheesecake filling before baking. Just dollop spoonfuls over the top of the plain filling and use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirls. The warm, buttery caramel perfectly complements the crisp apples and creamy cheesecake in this Apple Crisp Cheesecake. My friend Sarah always begs me to add extra caramel!

Nutty Crunch Topping

If you love a little extra texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to your apple crisp topping. They add a wonderful toasted flavor and crunch that elevates the entire dessert. A sprinkle of sea salt in the topping mixture can also really make the flavors pop!

Seasonal Fruit Swap

While apples are classic, this recipe is incredibly forgiving if you want to swap out the fruit. Pears work beautifully for a Pear Crisp Cheesecake, or for a summer twist, try a berry crumble topping for a completely different yet equally delightful treat. Just adjust the spices to suit your chosen fruit.

What to Serve With Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is undeniably a star on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate it to a truly unforgettable dessert experience. It’s all about enhancing those cozy, comforting flavors!

A generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing for a reason. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, spiced apple crisp topping creates a delightful temperature contrast that I adore.

For a sophisticated touch, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Or, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving gives it a lovely, elegant finish.

My mom always says there’s nothing better than a slice of Apple Crisp Cheesecake with a steaming mug of black coffee or a delicate cup of spiced chai tea. The slight bitterness of the coffee or the warmth of the tea balances the sweetness perfectly.

How to Store Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Keeping your delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake fresh and flavorful is key to enjoying every last crumb! With a few simple steps, you can preserve its wonderful taste and texture for days.

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled completely, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cheesecake filling firm and prevents the crisp topping from getting too soft. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 4-5 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the cheesecake before covering it to help maintain its moisture.

Freezer Tips

If you want to enjoy your Apple Crisp Cheesecake for even longer, it freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze individual slices or the entire cheesecake (without the crisp topping, if possible, as it can get soggy when thawed) on a baking sheet until firm. Then, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating for Warmth

While delicious cold, sometimes a gently warmed slice of Apple Crisp Cheesecake hits just right, especially if you froze it. You can warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until just warmed through. A light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating brings it back to life and truly enhances that homemade feel!

Nutritional Benefits

While this is certainly a treat for the soul, our Apple Crisp Cheesecake also offers some goodness from its star ingredient. Apples bring a healthy dose of dietary fiber, supporting good digestion, and they’re packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin C. It’s my joy to create desserts that are both incredibly satisfying and nourishing, showing how simple ingredients can truly make a difference.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Absolutely! I often use a mix for complexity. Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples provide a sweeter, firmer texture. Any baking apple will work wonderfully in this Apple Crisp Cheesecake.

Faq 2

How can I prevent my Apple Crisp Cheesecake from cracking?
The key to a smooth top is avoiding drastic temperature changes. Bake in a water bath, don’t overmix the batter, and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar after baking. A cracked top doesn’t affect the taste of your Apple Crisp Cheesecake, though!

Faq 3

Can I make this Apple Crisp Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the entire Apple Crisp Cheesecake a day or two in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and meld beautifully with a little time.

Faq 4

What if my crisp topping gets soggy after storage?
If your Apple Crisp Cheesecake topping loses some crunch in the fridge, you can briefly warm individual slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This will often revive its crisp texture beautifully.

Conclusion

Baking an Apple Crisp Cheesecake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about crafting memories, one sweet, spiced bite at a time. This dessert, with its comforting layers and irresistible charm, embodies everything I cherish about homemade treats. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can transform into something truly magical. So, tie on your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s create some sweet stories together with this delightful Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Happy baking!