Apple Crisp Cheesecake Delight

This apple crisp cheesecake combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apple crisp with the richness of creamy caramel cheesecake to create a dessert that truly stands out. It’s perfect for those times when you want something special but don’t want to choose between cheesecake or a fruit dessert. Every bite offers a balance of smooth, sweet, and crunchy textures that make this a crowd-pleaser every time.

I first tried this cheesecake during a cozy family gathering on a chilly evening and it quickly became our go-to dessert for fall celebrations. The caramel drizzle on top always gets compliments and keeps people coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray: for greasing the pan ensures a clean release
• Graham crackers: crushed finely for a buttery crunchy crust, homemade crushing gives you the best texture
• Ground cinnamon: adds seasonal warmth and enhances the apple flavor
• Granulated sugar: balances tartness and sweetness in the crust and cheesecake filling
• Kosher salt: highlights all the flavors making each bite more complex
• Cream cheese: softened for a perfectly smooth and rich cheesecake base
• Caramel sauce: folded into the batter adds a luscious deep sweetness, homemade or store-bought both work well
• Eggs: to bind the cheesecake and give it structure without weighing it down
• Sour cream: brings a subtle tang and velvety texture
• Pure vanilla extract: adds fragrant sweetness
• All-purpose flour: stabilizes the cheesecake keeping it creamy but sliceable
• Packed brown sugar, oats, and butter: create the signature crisp topping that delivers crunch and flavor
• A firm apple like Honeycrisp: peeled and chopped adds fresh sweetness and bite
• Whipped topping: optional for serving to add light creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease an 8 or 9 inch springform pan with cooking spray. Preparing the pan this way prevents sticking and helps with even baking.

Mix the Crust:

In a large bowl combine finely crushed graham crackers, melted butter, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your prepared pan, creating a sturdy base for your cheesecake.

Beat the Cheesecake Filling:

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, and granulated sugar until fully smooth with no lumps. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a creamy texture. Then gently stir in sour cream and vanilla extract. Add flour, salt, and cinnamon and beat until everything just comes together, being careful not to overmix. Pour this luscious batter over your prepared crust.

Prepare the Topping:

In a separate bowl whisk together packed brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Cut softened butter into the mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly scatter peeled and finely chopped apples over the cheesecake batter, then sprinkle the oat topping over the apples for a rustic crunchy finish.

Water Bath Baking:

Wrap the springform pan’s outside bottom tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water leaks. Place the wrapped pan inside a large roasting pan and carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the cheesecake pan sides. This water bath creates gentle steam during baking, helping the cheesecake cook evenly and preventing cracks.

Slow Cooling:

Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until the cheesecake is mostly set but still slightly jiggles in the center. Turn off the oven and prop the oven door open slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour. This cooling method reduces cracking and keeps the texture creamy.

Chilling:

Remove the foil and transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator. Chill for at least four hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.

Ready to Serve:

When serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and add a dollop of whipped topping if you like. The combination of warm spices, sweet caramel, and crisp apples will have everyone swooning.

Save

One family memory I cherish is how the smell of this cheesecake baking always fills the house and signals the start of the holiday season, bringing everyone together in anticipation.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep the cheesecake moist and prevent it from absorbing other odors
• If freezing, slice the cheesecake first, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap followed by foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving
• Avoid freezing the whipped topping; add fresh whipped cream just before serving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for the crust for a slightly different flavor but similar texture
• For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of sour cream
• Maple syrup can replace caramel sauce for a different but equally delicious sweetness

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche for extra indulgence
• Serve with spiced cider or chai tea to highlight the warm fall spices
• Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheesecake dates back thousands of years but has evolved into many varieties worldwide. This unique hybrid of apple crisp and cheesecake brings together two classic American desserts loved for their comforting flavors. Apple crisp is especially popular in autumn when apples are in season and cinnamon-spiced desserts shine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What apples work best for the topping?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a balance of tartness and sweetness.

→ How can cracking be prevented on the cheesecake surface?

Using a water bath while baking and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually with the oven door slightly open helps maintain an even temperature to prevent cracks.

→ What ingredients create the crust base?

Crushed graham crackers combined with melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt form a buttery, spiced crust that supports the filling.

→ How is the apple crisp topping prepared?

A combination of brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, softened butter, and chopped apples is mixed and spread evenly to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.

→ What enhances the dessert when serving?

A drizzle of caramel sauce paired with a dollop of whipped topping adds creaminess and a rich finish that complements the spiced apples and smooth filling.