Description
This 9-Inch Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines a creamy, rich cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with tender spiced apples and a crisp oat streusel. The cheesecake is baked in a water bath for a silky texture and is perfect for an elegant dessert that merges classic apple crisp flavors with velvety cheesecake indulgence.
Ingredients
Oat Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 2 sleeves)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 ounces cream cheese (4 packages), softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean, or vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Make the Oat Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles cookie dough. Refrigerate this mixture for later use.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water seepage. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until moistened. Press firmly along the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add cornstarch and mix to combine. Beat in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla bean paste or extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl sides.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Evenly layer the prepared apple slices on the cheesecake, avoiding excess juice. Sprinkle the chilled oat streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and fill with boiling water halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 80 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles.
- Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to avoid cracking. Then refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Serve: Remove the foil and springform pan sides. Slice and serve the apple crisp cheesecake as is or with caramel drizzle or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Wrapping the springform pan with foil is crucial to prevent water from the water bath leaking into the cheesecake.
- Using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a firm texture.
- For best results, fully chill the cheesecake overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
- Vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla beans enhance flavor more deeply than vanilla extract but either works well.
- Do not add excess apple juice released during tossing to avoid soggy topping.
- Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven reduces the risk of cracks on the surface.
- This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
