This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a tasty blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet apple spice, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. It’s like a hug on a plate! 🍏✨
I love making this when the fall air begins to cool. The smell of apples baking is so comforting, and trust me, your friends will be fighting for the last slice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The crust needs these for that classic cheesecake crunch. If you’re out of graham crackers, you can use crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the cheesecake. Make sure it’s fully softened to mix well. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar texture and flavor.
Apples: Granny Smith give a tart flavor, while Fuji adds sweetness. You can mix both or use any baking apple like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for something different.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute — it’s thick and adds a nice tartness as well.
Butter: You’ll use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work well.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Cheesecake Without Cracks?
To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, the key is to bake it low and slow! Here’s how:
- Always start with softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps and uneven baking.
- Mix on low speed. Beating too hard incorporates air, leading to cracks. Mix until just combined.
- Use a water bath. This helps regulate the temperature and adds moisture while baking. It makes a big difference!
- Let your cheesecake cool gradually. Turning off the oven and leaving the door ajar for an hour prevents sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.
How to Create a Delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for stability)
For the apple crisp topping:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For caramel drizzle:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake will take about 30 minutes of active prep time and 1 hour of baking time, plus 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator to set. So, in total, you’re looking at about 5 hours, but most of that is hands-off time while it cools and chills!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar with the melted butter. Stir until everything is combined and looks like wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you work on the filling.
2. Make the cheesecake filling:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth — this will take about 3-5 minutes. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to beat. Then, add the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition just until blended; avoid over-beating. Stir in the sour cream and flour until everything is fully combined.
3. Assemble and bake:
Pour the cheesecake filling onto your cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes. The edges of the cheesecake should be set and the center should jiggle just a little. Once baked, turn off the oven but leave the door slightly open, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.
4. Prepare the apple crisp topping:
While the cheesecake is baking, let’s make the apple crisp topping! In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix using your fingers or a pastry cutter. You want it to crumble into pea-sized pieces. Toss the sliced apples gently with a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
5. Top the cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake has cooled for an hour, carefully arrange the sliced apples over the top. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
6. Broil or bake the topping:
Switch your oven to broil on low or increase to 350°F (175°C). Bake or broil the cheesecake for about 8-10 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
7. Chill the cheesecake:
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it sets perfectly.
8. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the cheesecake and drizzle with caramel sauce over each piece for an extra sweet touch. Enjoy a slice of this cozy dessert!
Your Apple Crisp Cheesecake will surely be a crowd-pleaser, bringing together creamy, spiced apple flavors with a delightful crunch. Happy baking! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can mix any variety of apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Golden Delicious for varying flavors and sweetness. Just remember, firmer apples tend to work best for baking!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake?
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make the cheesecake gluten-free, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts. Just be sure to check labels on all other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
What Should I Do If My Cheesecake Cracks?
If your cheesecake cracks during baking, don’t worry! It’ll still taste delicious. Next time, mix on low speed and bake it in a water bath to help maintain moisture. Allow it to cool gradually in the oven to prevent sudden temperature changes.
