A delightful hybrid dessert that marries the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced crunch of apple crisp. It’s indulgent yet comforting, perfect for fall gatherings or anytime I crave a cozy, satisfying treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dessert brings together two favorites—cheesecake and apple crisp—into one show-stopping dish. The silky cheesecake contrasts beautifully with tart cinnamon apples and crisp oat topping, offering both creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. It feels homey and festive, yet special enough to serve for guests.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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cream cheese, softened
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granulated sugar
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eggs
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vanilla extract
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sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
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all-purpose flour
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rolled oats
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brown sugar
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unsalted butter, melted
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apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
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ground cinnamon
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ground nutmeg
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lemon juice
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salt
directions
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I preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). I prepare an 8–9‑inch springform pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
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I make the crust by combining melted butter, flour, oats, and brown sugar until crumbly. I press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
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Meanwhile, I toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of sugar.
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In a large bowl, I beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. I mix in vanilla and sour cream until fully incorporated.
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I spread half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Then I scatter the spiced apple mixture evenly, and gently spoon the remaining batter on top, covering the apples.
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Using the remaining oat topping ingredients (flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter), I sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
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I bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
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I switch off the oven and leave the cake inside with the door cracked for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
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I then remove the cheesecake and let it cool completely at room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Servings and timing
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Servings: serves 10–12 slices
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Prep time: about 25 minutes
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Cook time: 45–55 minutes
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Cooling & chilling time: around 5+ hours
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Total time: approximately 6+ hours
Variations
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I swap half of the rolled oats in the crisp topping for chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.
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For a caramel twist, I drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
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I sometimes add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the apple mixture for extra warmth.
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To lighten it slightly, I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the sugar slightly.
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I top with whipped cream mixed with a dash of maple syrup for added sweetness.
storage/reheating
I store this cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. I serve slices cold or let them sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature for creamier consistency. It also freezes well—wrapped tightly, it keeps for up to 1 month. I thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Yes—I thaw and drain them first, then toss with lemon juice and spices. I may reduce the baking time slightly since they release more moisture.
2. Do I need a water bath?
I find the cooling method in the oven works well to prevent cracking, so I skip the water bath, but feel free to use one for extra assurance.
3. Can I make this in a rectangular pan instead?
Absolutely. I use a 9×13‑inch pan and adjust baking time: 35–45 minutes, checking for doneness around the 35‑minute mark.
4. Can I prep parts ahead of time?
Yes—you can prepare the crust and apple mixture a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. I then assemble and bake it fresh.
5. Will the oats stay crisp after refrigeration?
The top softens slightly when chilled, but I like toasting the crisp topping under the broiler for a minute before serving to refresh the crunch.
Conclusion
I find Apple Crisp Cheesecake to be the perfect marriage of creamy indulgence and comforting fall flavors. It’s impressive yet approachable, flexible yet reliable. I know this decadent dessert will become a favorite way to celebrate special moments or cozy nights in!
PrintApple Crisp Cheesecake
A luscious fusion of creamy cheesecake and spiced apple crisp, this dessert features a buttery oat crust, cinnamon apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a special autumn treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: Serves 10–12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 2–3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease and line an 8–9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix ½ cup flour, oats, brown sugar, and half of the melted butter to form the crust. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Spread half the cheesecake batter over the crust. Scatter the apple mixture evenly. Top with remaining batter.
- Mix remaining ½ cup flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter to create streusel. Sprinkle on top.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool 1 hour.
- Cool completely at room temp, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
Notes
- Swap oats with chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over slices before serving for a decadent touch.
- Add ginger or cloves to apple mix for extra warmth.
- Use Greek yogurt to lighten up the filling slightly.
- Toast topping under broiler for 1 minute to refresh crispness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg