Fall is the season for cozy flavors, and what could be more perfect for those crisp autumn days than a dessert that brings together the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of caramelized apples and a buttery, crunchy crumble? That’s exactly what you get with this Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Every bite is an indulgence – a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
This cheesecake recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the season, whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just a weekend when you want to savor something delicious. Picture this: A buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, tender apples cooked to perfection with a cinnamon-sugar glaze, all topped off with a crunchy oat crumble. It’s everything you love about apple crisp and cheesecake, united into one irresistible dessert.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this fall-inspired delight. Even if you’ve never made cheesecake before, don’t worry! The steps are simple, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Layered Perfection: You get the best of both worlds with creamy cheesecake, sweet caramelized apples, and a buttery crumble topping.
- Perfect for Fall: The cinnamon-sugar apples and crunchy oat topping scream autumn, making it an ideal dessert for cooler weather.
- Impress Your Guests: It looks stunning on any table and will surely be the star of your next gathering. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sour cream
For the apple topping:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the crisp topping:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
How to Make Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake:
Step 1: Make the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Begin by preparing the crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Next, press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a uniform crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake filling
While the crust cools, get started on the cheesecake filling. Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. The mixture should be silky smooth. Pour this creamy batter over the cooled crust in your springform pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature.
Step 3: Cook the apple topping
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized. The mixture should thicken slightly as the sugar melts and combines with the spices. Once the apples are done, set the skillet aside and let them cool.
Step 4: Make the crisp topping
In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Keep mixing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
Step 5: Assemble and bake
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, spread the caramelized apples evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Then, sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover them well. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 325°F (163°C), or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Chill and serve
After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) to let the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, slice and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness of this autumn-inspired treat.
Helpful Tips:
- For a smoother cheesecake filling: Make sure to beat the cream cheese mixture until it’s light and fluffy before adding the eggs. This will help you avoid any lumps in the filling.
- Tart apples are the key: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the caramelized apples and the rich cheesecake.
- Cool before chilling: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Make it ahead: This cheesecake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. So if you’re planning for a party or gathering, make it the day before!
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- You can swap out the apples for pears or even a mix of both if you prefer.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Nutritional Information (per slice):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan? You can, but it will be harder to remove the cheesecake from a regular pan without disturbing the edges. If you don’t have a springform, line a regular pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
Can I freeze this cheesecake? Yes! You can freeze the cheesecake after it has fully cooled and chilled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have a large batch and want to save it for longer, freezing is an option!
Related Recipes:
If you loved this Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake, here are a few more delicious recipes to try:
Conclusion:
This Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake is everything you could want in a fall dessert. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and the crunch of the crumble topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to enjoy on a cozy evening, this dessert will fill your home with the comforting aromas of fall and leave everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!
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Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake – A Sweet Fall Delight!
Description
Fall is the season for cozy flavors, and what could be more perfect for those crisp autumn days than a dessert that brings together the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of caramelized apples and a buttery, crunchy crumble? That’s exactly what you get with this Heavenly Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Every bite is an indulgence – a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
This cheesecake recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the season, whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just a weekend when you want to savor something delicious. Picture this: A buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, tender apples cooked to perfection with a cinnamon-sugar glaze, all topped off with a crunchy oat crumble. It’s everything you love about apple crisp and cheesecake, united into one irresistible dessert.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this fall-inspired delight. Even if you’ve never made cheesecake before, don’t worry! The steps are simple, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sour cream
For the apple topping:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the crisp topping:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Make the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Begin by preparing the crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Next, press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a uniform crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake filling
While the crust cools, get started on the cheesecake filling. Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. The mixture should be silky smooth. Pour this creamy batter over the cooled crust in your springform pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature.
Step 3: Cook the apple topping
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized. The mixture should thicken slightly as the sugar melts and combines with the spices. Once the apples are done, set the skillet aside and let them cool.
Step 4: Make the crisp topping
In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Keep mixing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
Step 5: Assemble and bake
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, spread the caramelized apples evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Then, sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover them well. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 325°F (163°C), or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Chill and serve
After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) to let the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, slice and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness of this autumn-inspired treat.
Notes
- You can swap out the apples for pears or even a mix of both if you prefer.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving.