This Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake is a sweet treat that combines creamy cheesecake with juicy apples and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for cozy dessert nights!
The smell while baking is simply heavenly! I love enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee. It’s a warm hug in cake form! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base for the crust. If you can’t find graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits, or even crushed cookies like Oreos for a chocolatey twist.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes well. For lighter options, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but keeps a similar taste.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, use a non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream as a substitute.
Apples: I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor if you like. Just keep the slices thin for even cooking!
Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg really boost flavor. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can skip it or use a bit of pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick.
How Do You Bake a Perfect Cheesecake?
Baking a cheesecake can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! The key is to prevent cracks and ensure it’s creamy.
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Use a water bath (bain-marie) by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with water. This helps control the heat and moisture, preventing cracks.
- Don’t overmix after adding the eggs to keep the texture smooth; just mix until combined.
- Cooling slowly is crucial: turn off the oven when done, crack open the door slightly, and let it cool in there for an hour before refrigerating. This helps avoid sudden temperature changes.
Cook with love, and enjoy your creamy, delicious Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For The Cinnamon Apple Topping:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 60-70 minutes to bake, plus cooling and chilling time of at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). So, total time including preparation, baking, and cooling is roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes. Don’t worry, most of this time is just waiting while your cheesecake cools in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together until everything is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake this crust in the oven for about 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Now let’s get to the yummy filling! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, mixing it in well. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, and cinnamon until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared crust. To keep it mess-free, place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool in there for about 1 hour. Once cooled, remove it from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Topping:
While your cheesecake is chilling, let’s make the delicious apple topping! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and water. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and nicely caramelized—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the topping cool slightly.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a beautiful serving plate. Spoon the warm cinnamon apple topping generously over the cheesecake. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added flavor!
6. Enjoy:
Now it’s time to savor your creation! Slice the cheesecake and serve it chilled or slightly warmed. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a delightful dessert any time of the year!
This Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy cheesecake base with a spiced apple topping, creating a warm and cozy dessert that is especially great in the fall but delightful anytime you want a sweet treat. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can substitute with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just remember to slice them thinly for even cooking!
Can I Make This Cheesecake in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake up to a day in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it as soon as it’s cooled. The flavors often develop even more overnight!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s delicious chilled, or you can warm up individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds!
What If My Cheesecake Cracks?
Cracks can happen, but don’t worry! If your cheesecake has cracks, you can cover them with the cinnamon apple topping. It will taste just as delicious and look beautiful!