Get ready for a tasty treat with Apple Pie Cheesecake! This yummy dessert combines creamy cheesecake with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon, all on a crunchy graham crust.
Perfect for cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Talk about a match made in dessert heaven! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are great for a crunchy crust. If you don’t have them, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies as a tasty alternative.
Apples: I love Granny Smith for their tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp are also excellent choices. If apples aren’t available, sliced pears can create a similar effect!
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture, but low-fat can work in a pinch. Just avoid using non-fat, as it won’t set well. If you’re dairy-free, look for a cream cheese alternative made from nuts or soy.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option. It provides a similar flavor and texture!
How Do You Get a Smooth Cheesecake Filling?
To avoid lumps and ensure a creamy cheesecake, make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. Start by beating it alone until smooth before adding the sugar. Mix the ingredients until just combined and avoid over-mixing once eggs are added.
- Beat soft cream cheese until smooth first.
- Add sugar gradually, mixing until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just enough to incorporate.
- Finish with the vanilla extract and sour cream for extra creaminess.
This method will give you that smooth and luscious cheesecake texture everyone loves!
Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 large apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Cheesecake:
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Pie Cheesecake requires about 30 minutes of active prep time and about 1 hour of baking time, followed by 4 hours of cooling in the refrigerator. Plan for at least 5 hours in total to ensure a perfect dessert. Enjoy while it’s fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until everything is well mixed together. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. This will form the crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then remove it and set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Now it’s time to make the apple filling! In a skillet over medium heat, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Stir everything together and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let the filling cool.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Gradually add in the sugar and mix well. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time—this helps to keep the mixture smooth. Finally, add in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until everything is fully combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Start by pouring half of the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Spread the cooled apple pie filling evenly over this layer. Then, pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
6. Bake the Cheesecake:
Place your cheesecake in the oven to bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-65 minutes. The edges should be set while the center has a slight jiggle. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to help prevent cracks.
7. Cool and Refrigerate:
After an hour, take the cheesecake out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight for the best results!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you are ready to serve, add scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of the cheesecake. Drizzle it generously with delicious caramel sauce. Slice into pieces and enjoy the wonderful combination of rich cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crumbly topping!
And there you have it! A scrumptious Apple Pie Cheesecake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith offers great tartness, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even a mix of your favorites to add more flavor and texture to your filling.
Can I Make This Cheesecake Ahead of Time?
Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. It actually tastes even better after chilling, as the flavors have more time to meld.
How Do I Prevent Cracks in My Cheesecake?
To help prevent cracking, make sure to bake the cheesecake slowly and avoid over-mixing the filling. After baking, leaving it in the oven with the door slightly ajar for an hour allows gradual cooling, reducing the chance of cracks.
Can I Freeze Leftover Cheesecake?
Yes! You can freeze leftover cheesecake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it—this will help maintain its creamy texture.