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.