Who doesn’t love the perfect combination of two beloved desserts: cheesecake and apple crisp? This Apple Crisp Cheesecake brings together the rich, creamy texture of a classic cheesecake with the sweet, spiced goodness of apple crisp. Whether you're looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is a must-try! Stick around, and by the end of this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to create this irresistible dessert from scratch. Read on to discover the full recipe, tips for substitutions, step-by-step instructions, and some fantastic presentation ideas to elevate your Apple Crisp Cheesecake game!

What is Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a mouthwatering hybrid dessert that combines the velvety richness of a traditional cheesecake with the crumbly, spiced topping of apple crisp. The base is made from a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a creamy cheesecake layer and then topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy oat streusel. It's the ultimate fall dessert but is equally delicious all year round.
Ingredients List for Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this decadent dessert:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Apple Layer:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
For the Crisp Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or simply want to try something different, here are a few substitution ideas and variations:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both the filling and crisp topping.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese, replace eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg), and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Apple Variations: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Gala, Fuji, or even Pink Lady apples offer different levels of sweetness and texture.
- Spice It Up: Add more warming spices like allspice, cloves, or cardamom to both the apple layer and the crisp topping to enhance the fall flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping for an added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s walk through how to make this show-stopping dessert. Don’t worry if it sounds complex – by following these steps, you’ll be able to pull off an Apple Crisp Cheesecake that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a bakery.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it forms an even layer.
- Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Remove and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until everything is fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Evenly layer the spiced apples over the cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles pea-sized clumps.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple layer.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the topping is golden brown.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
How to Cook Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick overview to ensure your Apple Crisp Cheesecake turns out perfectly:
- Prepare the crust: Bake a graham cracker base to provide a sturdy and flavorful foundation.
- Create the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to form a smooth filling.
- Layer the apples: Add the sweet-spiced apples for flavor and texture.
- Top with crisp: Add the crumbly oat topping to replicate the apple crisp aspect of the dessert.
- Bake carefully: Monitor the cheesecake while it bakes, then let it cool gradually to avoid cracks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the Cheesecake: Overbaking will cause cracks and result in a dry cheesecake. The center should still jiggle slightly when done.
- Skipping the Water Bath: Although not mandatory, baking the cheesecake with a water bath can help achieve an even, creamy texture. If you choose to do this, wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
- Not Letting It Chill: Cheesecake needs time to set. Don’t rush the cooling process – allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Using Warm Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Rushing the Cooling Process: Letting the cheesecake cool gradually, first in the oven and then at room temperature, prevents cracks.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Apple Crisp Cheesecake can elevate the dessert experience even more. Here are some ideas:
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake
- Cold or Room Temperature: This cheesecake is best served cold but can also be enjoyed slightly warmer for a more comforting bite.
- With Ice Cream: For a special treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon ice cream.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice will take this dessert to the next level.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake and spiced apple topping.
Presentation Ideas for Apple Crisp Cheesecake
- Apple Slices on Top: Garnish the cheesecake with thinly sliced fresh apples arranged in a fan shape on top of each slice.
- Cinnamon Dusting: Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon or powdered sugar over the cheesecake for a rustic finish.
- Serve in Mini Jars: Make individual cheesecakes in small mason jars for a cute, portion-controlled dessert.
- Decorative Crust: Press a few apple slices or crisp crumbs into the sides of the crust before baking for a visually appealing edge.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Chill Time: For best results, let the cheesecake chill in the refrigerator overnight to fully set.
- Apples Choice: Stick with firm apples like Granny Smith to prevent them from becoming too mushy when baked.
- Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance, which is perfect for planning ahead for special events or holidays.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
A: Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, but a homemade crust will taste fresher and have better texture.
Q: Can I freeze Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
A: Absolutely! After baking and cooling the cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q: How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
A: Avoid overmixing the batter, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven before chilling in the fridge to prevent cracks.
Q: Can I use other fruits besides apples?
A: Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or berries for different fruit flavors.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A: While a springform pan is ideal for cheesecakes, you can use a regular cake pan. Just ensure you grease it well and carefully slice and serve.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the creamy texture of cheesecake and the warm, spiced flavors of apple crisp. It’s ideal for the fall season or any time you want a show-stopping dessert. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the suggested variations, you're sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So why not gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious combination of two classic desserts today? Happy baking!
PrintApple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe combines creamy cheesecake with a classic apple crisp topping. Enjoy the flavors of spiced apples, rich cream cheese, and a buttery oat crumble in every bite. Perfect for any gathering or holiday dessert!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Crust: Graham crackers, butter, sugar
- For the Cheesecake: Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract
- For the Apple Topping: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
- For the Crisp Topping: Rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to form the crust; press into the pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Layer over the cheesecake.
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter to make the crisp topping. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake until set. Cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of the cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
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