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Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with a delightful graham cracker crust, spiced cinnamon apples, and a crumbly oat topping reminiscent of apple crisp. Baked in a water bath, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and cinnamon-spiced flavors, finished with an optional salted caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 3 cups graham crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams), melted

Cinnamon Apples

  • 2 large apples (recommend Granny Smith or Gala)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Crisp Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams), melted

Cheesecake Batter

  • 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese (680 grams), room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml), room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • boiling water, for the water bath

To Serve

  • Salted caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C or 160°C for fan-forced ovens). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with tin foil, covering the bottom and sides thoroughly with 3-4 layers to prevent leaks. Lightly grease the inside with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then remove from the oven but leave the oven on.
  3. Prepare Cinnamon Apples: Peel and core the apples, slicing them very thinly. Toss the slices with brown sugar and cinnamon to coat evenly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Prepare Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until lump-free. Stir in oats, then mix in melted butter until the mixture has a crumbly, damp-sand texture. Set aside.
  5. Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and creamy. Add cornstarch and cinnamon, then mix in sour cream and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides to avoid lumps. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
  6. Assemble and Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust in the foil-wrapped pan and smooth the top. Evenly layer the sliced cinnamon apples on top, avoiding any liquid from the bottom of the bowl. Sprinkle the oat crisp topping evenly over the apples. Place the cheesecake pan into a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches about 1 inch up the side of the springform pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center slightly wobbles when gently nudged.
  7. Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the water bath pan to room temperature. Once cooled, remove from the roasting pan, cover with tin foil, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
  8. Serve: Before serving, run a sharp knife around the edges of the cheesecake and unclamp the springform ring. Use a thin, sharp knife to slice through the cheesecake and crust carefully. Optionally, drizzle each slice with salted caramel sauce for added indulgence.

Notes

  • Using a water bath helps bake the cheesecake evenly and prevents cracks.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
  • Wrapping the springform pan with foil prevents water from leaking into the cheesecake.
  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Gala for the best texture and flavor balance.
  • The cheesecake is best chilled overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
  • When slicing, use a sharp, thin knife and wipe between cuts for clean pieces.
  • Salted caramel sauce is optional but highly recommended for a complementary sweet-salty flavor.

Keywords: apple crisp cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, apple dessert, cinnamon apple cheesecake, fall dessert, baked cheesecake