
When autumn arrives, thereβs one dessert that perfectly captures the warmth and coziness of the season β the Apple Crisp Cheesecake. Imagine creamy cheesecake filling infused with cinnamon, topped with juicy caramelized apples, and finished with a golden oat crumble that crackles with every bite. Itβs the ultimate marriage of two classics: New York-style cheesecake and old-fashioned apple crisp.
This dessert is pure comfort β a sweet symphony of creamy, crunchy, and buttery textures that feels like a hug in every forkful. Itβs the perfect treat for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or cozy nights by the fireplace.
The best part? Itβs surprisingly simple to make. You donβt need to be a professional baker to create this showstopper. The base is made with crushed graham crackers, the cheesecake layer is smooth and rich, and the topping adds that signature crunch of oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Whether you drizzle it with caramel sauce or serve it plain with a dollop of whipped cream, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is guaranteed to become a family favorite β one that brings back memories of baked apples, warm spices, and everything we love about fall. π
π° Ingredients for the Apple Crisp Cheesecake
For the Crust:
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1 Β½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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ΒΌ cup brown sugar
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Β½ teaspoon cinnamon
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6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
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ΒΎ cup granulated sugar
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Β½ cup sour cream
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3 large eggs (room temperature)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Β½ teaspoon cinnamon
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β teaspoon nutmeg
For the Apple Topping:
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2 large apples, peeled and chopped (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
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2 tablespoons butter
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ΒΌ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Oat Crumble:
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Β½ cup rolled oats
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β cup all-purpose flour
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β cup brown sugar
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ΒΌ teaspoon salt
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Β½ teaspoon cinnamon
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4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
π§ How to Make the Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Step 1 β Make the Crust
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Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (160Β°C).
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Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
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Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
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Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 2 β Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix well.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, just until combined.
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Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust.
Step 3 β Make the Apple Topping
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
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Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
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Cook for about 5β7 minutes, until the apples soften slightly and caramelize.
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Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4 β Add the Oat Crumble
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In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
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Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
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Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple layer.
Step 5 β Bake to Perfection
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Bake for 55β65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
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Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
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Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight before slicing.
β¨ Optional: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top before serving for extra indulgence.
π Variations of the Apple Crisp Cheesecake
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Salted Caramel Version: Add a layer of salted caramel between cheesecake and apple topping.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for bite-sized desserts.
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No-Bake Shortcut: Use pre-cooked apples and chill instead of baking.
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Gluten-Free: Replace crust and crumble with gluten-free oats and cookies.
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Apple Pie Fusion: Add a thin layer of pie crust under the cheesecake base for a pie-cheesecake hybrid.
π§‘ Cooking Notes
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Always use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
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Do not overmix once you add eggs β it introduces air and can cause cracks.
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Use a water bath (bain-marie) for a smooth, evenly baked texture.
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For a more tart contrast, use Granny Smith apples; for sweetness, use Honeycrisp.
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Cool completely before chilling to set properly.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
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Serve slices with warm caramel drizzle or vanilla ice cream.
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Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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For a fall brunch, pair with spiced coffee or chai latte.
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Decorate with apple chips and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving.
π Party Serving Ideas
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Slice into mini squares for dessert platters.
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Layer in mason jars with extra crumble for portable parfaits.
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Top with whipped cream and cinnamon dust for festive flair.
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Serve on a rustic wooden board with fall leaves and caramel dip bowls.
π§ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days ahead; chill until serving.
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Freezing: Freeze without toppings for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
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Storage: Keep covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Warm individual slices for 10 seconds in microwave if desired.
β οΈ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overbaking β causes dry, cracked cheesecake.
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Skipping cooling time β ruins texture.
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Using too much fruit β can make the top soggy.
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Not using water bath β uneven baking.
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Cutting while warm β cheesecake must be fully chilled before slicing.
π‘ Tips for Success
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Use a springform pan lined with parchment for easy release.
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Let cheesecake rest overnight for best flavor.
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Always use real butter for the crumble β margarine changes texture.
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Run a warm knife through each slice for clean cuts.
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Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey before serving for warmth and shine.
β° Prep, Bake & Chill Time
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 25 minutes |
| Baking | 60 minutes |
| Cooling & Chilling | 7 hours |
| Total Time | ~8.5 hours |
π₯ Nutritional Information (per slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
β FAQs
1. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes β itβs a quick alternative, but fresh apples give better flavor and texture.
2. Can I skip the crumble topping?
Technically yes, but itβs what makes this cheesecake apple crisp!
3. What if my cheesecake cracks?
Cover it with extra apples or caramel sauce β itβll still taste amazing.
4. How do I prevent soggy topping?
Cool apples before layering and bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes β use gluten-free graham crackers and oats.
π More Fall Desserts & Drinks
π Related Articles (with Outbound Links)
β€οΈ Conclusion
The Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that bridges generations β familiar yet surprising, rustic yet elegant. Each slice is a perfect contrast of textures: the silky smooth cheesecake, the juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, and the crunchy, buttery crumble that ties it all together.
Itβs the perfect dessert to celebrate fall β comforting, fragrant, and utterly satisfying. Whether youβre baking it for a family gathering, a holiday table, or simply to fill your kitchen with that cozy aroma of apples and cinnamon, it never disappoints.
So preheat that oven, slice those apples, and get ready to fall in love β because this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the ultimate sweet taste of autumn. ππβ¨