Description
Indulgent apple crisp cheesecake marries classic comfort with creamy sophistication, blending spiced autumn apples and silky cream cheese. Crunchy streusel topping and graham cracker crust promise delightful textures that welcome seasonal warmth with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Gala)
Crust and Topping Ingredients:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salted caramel sauce (for serving)
- Boiling water (for water bath)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a springform pan with parchment paper and wrap exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage.
- Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter. Press firmly into pan bottom. Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and cool.
- Dice apples and sauté in skillet with brown sugar and cinnamon until tender and caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare crisp topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, and cold butter, mixing until crumbly texture forms.
- In large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Blend thoroughly.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain batter smoothness.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over prepared crust, ensuring even distribution.
- Layer sautéed apples across cheesecake surface, then sprinkle crisp topping evenly.
- Place cheesecake in deep roasting pan filled with hot water. Bake 55-65 minutes until center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Remove from oven and water bath. Cool completely at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Before serving, drizzle with salted caramel sauce and slice carefully.
Notes
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by ensuring all ingredients are room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smooth, even texture.
- Wrap the springform pan tightly with foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust during the water bath baking method.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds for the crust base.
- Enhance the apple flavor by using a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg