Imagine the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts – the creamy indulgence of cheesecake meets the rustic warmth of apple crisp. This Apple Crisp Cheesecake with Caramel Crunch is a symphony of textures and flavors that captures the essence of fall in every single bite. Prepare to be transported to a cozy autumn afternoon with this show-stopping dessert that combines smooth cheesecake, spiced apples, and a golden, crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients
Crust
US Measurements
- 2 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) butter, melted
Metric Measurements
- 240g cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- 50g granulated sugar
- 85g butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
US Measurements
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Metric Measurements
- 450g cream cheese, softened
- 133g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 60ml sour cream
- 10ml vanilla extract
- 5g ground cinnamon
- 1.25g ground nutmeg
Apple Topping
US Measurements
- 3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping
US Measurements
- 1 cup (90g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (57g) cold butter, cubed
Caramel Drizzle
US Measurements
- 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce
- Extra for serving
Baking Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter
- Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool
- Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
- Incorporate sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Pour over prepared crust
- Apple Topping:
- Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Arrange evenly over cheesecake filling
- Streusel Topping:
- Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly
- Sprinkle over apple layer
- Baking:
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 60-70 minutes
- Center should be slightly jiggly
- Cool completely, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight
- Finishing Touch:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Calories per slice: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 30-35g
Cooking Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 60-70 minutes
- Cooling/Chilling: 5-6 hours
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
Expert Baking Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth cheesecake
- Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing
- Use a water bath for even baking
- Allow cheesecake to cool slowly to prevent cracking
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor development
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers
- Nut-Free Streusel: Replace oats with additional flour
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives
- Spice Variations: Add cardamom or ginger
- Apple Alternatives: Try pears or mixed berries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? A: Yes, it can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Q2: How do I prevent a soggy crust? A: Bake the crust briefly before adding filling and use room temperature ingredients.
Q3: Can I freeze this cheesecake? A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
Q4: What if my cheesecake cracks? A: Cover with streusel topping or caramel sauce to hide imperfections.
Q5: Can I use different types of apples? A: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store covered for 4-5 days
- Freezing: Freeze whole or in slices for up to 1 month
- Room Temperature: Keep refrigerated, bring to room temp 30 minutes before serving
- Prep Ahead: Make crust and chop apples a day in advance
Indulge in the ultimate autumn dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and apple crisp – a true celebration of seasonal flavors!