Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a sublime dessert that artfully marries the creamy, indulgent qualities of cheesecake with the comforting, spiced warmth of an apple crisp. This dessert is a true celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion that calls for something both decadent and nostalgic.
At the heart of this creation is a velvety cheesecake filling, made from a blend of rich cream cheese and tangy sour cream, which provides a smooth and luxurious base. The cheesecake filling is subtly flavored with vanilla and is perfectly balanced by the sweetness and depth of granulated sugar. This combination results in a cheesecake that is both creamy and satisfying, with a texture that melts in your mouth.
Layered over this creamy base is a spiced apple filling, prepared with a mix of sweet and tart apples. The apples are gently cooked with a blend of sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a fragrant, caramelized mixture that adds a delightful contrast to the rich cheesecake. This apple layer is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, with its vibrant fruit slices creating an inviting appearance.
Topping off the dessert is a crisp, buttery crumble that adds a satisfying crunch and a rustic charm. Made with oats, flour, and brown sugar, this topping is dotted with pieces of cold butter that, when baked, form a golden, crumbly layer. The combination of the crisp topping with the apple filling creates a delightful textural contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
The Apple Crisp Cheesecake is finished with optional garnishes like caramel sauce and whipped cream, which add extra sweetness and a touch of elegance. The caramel sauce provides a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the spiced apples, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake and crisp topping.
This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a special treat any time of year. Its blend of creamy, spiced, and crispy elements makes it a standout choice that’s sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. The Apple Crisp Cheesecake offers a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, bringing together the best of both worlds in one deliciously layered dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 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:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- For the Crisp Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
- Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spoon the apple filling evenly over the cheesecake batter, gently spreading it out.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with caramel sauce and whipped cream if desired.
Tips:
- Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
- Prevent Cracking: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracks on the surface.
- Make Ahead: The cheesecake can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an easier presentation on the day you plan to serve it.
Enjoy your Apple Crisp Cheesecake, a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and warm apple crisp flavors!
