Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Apple crisp cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds—creamy cheesecake and a sweet, crumbly apple crisp. This delicious treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, apple crisp cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of tangy cream cheese, sweet apples, and crunchy topping makes each bite a delight.
• Versatile Dessert: Suitable for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Stunning Presentation: The layers of cheesecake topped with crumble create an eye-catching dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Creamy Texture: The use of full-fat cream cheese creates an incredibly smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your apple crisp cheesecake, gather a few essential tools. These will help ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tin foil

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch springform pan: This allows for easy removal of the cheesecake after baking, ensuring a perfect presentation.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized when preparing different layers.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the cream cheese filling to achieve the desired creamy texture.

Ingredients

For the Crust

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

For the Apple Filling

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

For the Crumble 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)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 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)

Additional Ingredients

• boiling water (for the water bath)
• salted caramel sauce

How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C or 160C on a fan-forced oven). This ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Springform Pan

Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan in tin foil. Ensure that both the bottom and sides are covered by wrapping it at least 3-4 times. Lightly grease the pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and slice the apples into thin pieces. In another bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare other components.

Step 5: Create the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in your springform pan. Layer with half of the spiced apples followed by more filling. Repeat with remaining apples and filling.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place your assembled cheesecake in a roasting pan filled with boiling water halfway up the sides of your springform pan for even baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until set around edges but slightly jiggly in center.

Step 9: Make Crumble Topping

While baking your cheesecake, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, and melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. After removing cheesecake from oven at about 45 minutes into baking time, sprinkle this topping over it before returning to oven to finish baking.

Final Touches

Once baked, allow cooling at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight for best flavor development before serving with salted caramel sauce drizzled on top! Enjoy your homemade apple crisp cheesecake!

How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Apple crisp cheesecake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate this delicious treat.

Simple Serving

• Serve slices of apple crisp cheesecake on their own for a classic approach. The tangy cheesecake combined with the apple cinnamon flavors is satisfying without any extras.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess. Consider using homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling salted caramel sauce over each slice. The sweetness complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for added freshness. This combination balances the richness of the cheesecake.

With Ice Cream

• Pair your cheesecake with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a warm and cold contrast that feels indulgent.

How to Perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Perfecting your apple crisp cheesecake takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter without lumps.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake during baking.
• Create a Water Bath: Baking your cheesecake in a water bath helps regulate temperature and prevents cracking, resulting in a creamy texture.
• Cool Gradually: After baking, let your cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Pairing side dishes with your apple crisp cheesecake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spiced Nuts: Roasted almonds or pecans seasoned with cinnamon and sugar add a crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheesecake.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the richness of the dessert.
3. Cinnamon Tea: A warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea offers a comforting drink that pairs well with sweet desserts.
4. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses such as brie or cheddar can create an interesting contrast when enjoyed alongside sweet cheesecake.
5. Ginger Snap Cookies: Crunchy ginger snaps add an extra layer of flavor through their spiciness and pair well with apple desserts.
6. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet and crunchy caramel popcorn brings fun and texture, making it an exciting addition to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an apple crisp cheesecake can be simple, but small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure all dairy products, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and prevents lumps.
• Skipping the water bath: Not using a water bath can lead to cracks in your cheesecake. The steam keeps the cheesecake moist during baking, so wrap your pan securely and use boiling water.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can incorporate air and cause the cheesecake to puff up. Mix just until combined for a dense, creamy texture.
• Cutting too soon: Allowing your cheesecake to cool completely before cutting is crucial. This helps it set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
• Not letting it chill: Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances its flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover apple crisp cheesecake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Crisp Cheesecake

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Crisp Cheesecake

• Oven: Preheat to 350F (175C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 30-60 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making apple crisp cheesecake.

How do I make my apple crisp cheesecake more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon. You can also mix in caramel sauce into the filling!

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Gala are recommended, you can experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for varied sweetness and texture.

What if my cheesecake cracks?

Cracking often occurs due to overmixing or baking at high temperatures. Always bake in a water bath and avoid overmixing ingredients.

How long does apple crisp cheesecake need to set?

For the best results, let it chill in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This allows flavors to meld and improves texture.

Final Thoughts

Apple crisp cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with spiced apples and a crunchy topping. Its versatility allows for various flavor combinations, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings!