Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe because it combines two of my all-time favorite desserts into one show-stopping treat. The creamy, cinnamon-spiced cheesecake base layered with tender apple slices and topped with a buttery, oat-streusel crisp is just everything you want on a cozy night in or any special gathering. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the flavors melded together — it’s like apple pie and cheesecake had a delicious love child!

You’ll find that this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe not only tastes amazing, but it’s also surprisingly approachable, so you can easily make it for your family or friends with confidence. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving an indulgent yet comforting dessert, this recipe is worth every minute in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s one you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe come together to balance creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy textures beautifully. Using fresh Granny Smith apples adds a bright tartness that complements the luscious cheesecake filling, and the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping brings it all home.

• All purpose flour: For that tender, crumbly streusel topping that bakes up perfectly golden.
• Rolled oats: Adds heartiness and texture to the crisp topping.
• Light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel note in both crust and topping.
• Ground cinnamon: A must-have spice that warms every layer of this dessert.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for mixing into crust and topping—use quality for best flavor.
• Granny Smith apples: Choose crisp, tart apples for thin, even slices that soften nicely but hold shape when baked.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Forms a flavorful, sturdy base for the cheesecake.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth to the crust—don’t skip it!
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness throughout the crust.
• Full fat cream cheese: Room temperature is essential for that silky-smooth filling.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the cheesecake rich yet light.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with fragrant sweetness.
• Large eggs: Also room temperature, to help keep the batter smooth and creamy.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe depending on the season and my pantry. Feel free to swap out the apples or tweak the toppings to suit your tastes — it’s a flexible dessert that always turns out delicious.

• Fruit Swap: I once used peeled pears in place of apples and it gave a lovely, subtle twist — just adjust the sugar according to the fruit’s sweetness.
• Nutty Streusel: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the topping add a crunch I adore and an extra layer of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour in the crust for special diets without sacrificing taste.
• Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the topping amps up the warm fall flavor profile perfectly.

How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Start by whisking together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture clumps up without any dry spots. This step is key to achieving that perfect crumbly topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Pop the streusel mix into the fridge while you prepare the rest—it firms up nicely and makes handling easier later on.

Step 2: Toss the Apples

Peel and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples, then toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Chilling the apples in the fridge for a bit helps the sugar and spice seep in and keeps the slices fresh and crisp. This simple prep brings out the natural tartness that’s so important for balancing the creamy cheesecake.

Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, mix the graham cracker crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until every crumb is moistened. Press this mixture evenly into your greased springform pan using the bottom of a measuring cup, just pushing slightly up the sides. Bake for 9-10 minutes until golden and fragrant, then let it cool while you lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). This pre-baking step keeps the crust crisp and prevents sogginess from the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Boil some water for a water bath (trust me, it makes the cheesecake ultra creamy!). In your stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with both sugars on the lowest speed until smooth and lump-free. Next, add sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon, mixing on medium speed until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring on low speed and scraping down the bowl after each to ensure even mixing without overbeating. The key here is to avoid too much air in the batter, which causes cracks. Once smooth, pour the batter over the cooled crust.

Step 5: Layer Apples and Streusel, Then Bake

Evenly arrange the apple slices atop the cheesecake filling, completely covering the surface. Then generously sprinkle your chilled cinnamon streusel over the apples, making sure the fruit is well covered for maximum crunch and flavor. Next, place your cheesecake pan on the middle rack of your oven, positioning about an inch of boiling water in a roasting pan at the bottom to create a steam bath. This water bath is a game changer — it keeps your cheesecake moist and prevents cracking. Bake for 1 hour and 10-15 minutes; the edges should be set but the center may still jiggle slightly.

Step 6: Cool & Chill

Turn off the oven and prop the door open with a spoon handle to let the cheesecake cool gradually for about an hour — this helps prevent cracks from sudden temperature changes. Then bring it to room temperature before running a flexible spatula around the edges to loosen it from the pan. Cover loosely (avoid plastic wrap touching the top) and refrigerate overnight. This slow chilling sets the cheesecake perfectly, and trust me, waiting is worth it!

How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with this cheesecake — a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is my go-to. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon really elevates it for guests. The rustic streusel topping means you don’t need too much extra decoration; just a couple of garnishes to complement the fall flavors.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe after a hearty meal, I recommend light sides like fresh fruit salad or a tangy citrus sorbet to balance the richness. For holiday dinners, I love pairing it with hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte for cozy vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cheesecake in individual mini springform pans, which makes it feel extra fancy and perfect for portion control. Another fun idea is layering it in clear glass trifle dishes alternating cheesecake, apples, and streusel, creating a stunning visual dessert. Adding edible flowers or cinnamon sticks as decoration ups the wow factor for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps really well for up to 4 days. Before serving again, I let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes so the flavors and texture soften nicely.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe a few times by wrapping whole or sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it retains excellent texture and flavor — just avoid freezing the apple topping separately to prevent sogginess.

Reheating

When I want to enjoy leftovers warm, I pop individual slices into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye so the streusel doesn’t overbake. This warms the cheesecake through and revives that fresh-baked feeling without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe has become one of my favorite desserts to make and share. It feels indulgent without being overwhelming and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a cozy, impressive dessert that’s sure to get compliments, give this one a try—I promise you won’t regret it. Baking it feels like a little homemade luxury, and sharing it with friends just makes it even better!

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