Rustic Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Homemade Rustic Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe: Cozy Sweetness!

Baking this rustic apple crisp cheesecake recipe brings together two classic dessert favorites in a delightful culinary fusion.

Sweet, caramelized apples nestled perfectly within a creamy cheesecake create an irresistible flavor combination.

The golden crumbly topping adds a delectable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, rich filling.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and warm autumn spices that dance across your palate.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic through layers of cream cheese and tender apples.

The dessert looks stunning when served, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent spoonful of this mouthwatering treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 12

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Ingredient Rundown

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, buttery base with delightful crunch and nostalgic flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, golden texture and helps the crust hold its shape.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, smooth base with tangy richness and creamy texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess and adds perfect sweetness to the filling.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help create a silky, consistent cheesecake texture.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces extra moisture and subtle tanginess to enhance overall flavor.
  • Vanilla: Offers warm, aromatic depth and complements the creamy components.
For Apple and Topping Layer:
  • Apples: Deliver fresh, sweet-tart flavor and delightful texture contrast in the dessert.
  • White Sugar: Enhances apple's natural sweetness and helps create gentle caramelization.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provide warm, aromatic spices that beautifully complement apple's flavor.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the apple mixture and creates structure in the crisp topping.
  • Oats: Add rustic texture and nutty undertone to the crisp layer.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create crispy topping.
  • Cold Butter: Ensures crumbly, golden-brown topping with rich flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need for Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Springform pan: 9-inch round with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium bowl: Used for preparing crust and crisp topping mixtures.
  • Pastry cutter: Helps blend cold butter into dry ingredients for crumbly topping.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Electric mixer: Ensures cream cheese and sugar blend perfectly without lumps.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents crust from sticking and aids in easy removal.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for precise apple dicing and cheesecake slicing.

Assembling Apple Crisp Cheesecake with Ease

  • Craft the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into a greased springform pan. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes and let cool completely.

  • Whip the Cheesecake Base

Beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold in eggs one by one. Stir in sour cream and vanilla. Pour over cooled crust and smooth evenly.

  • Toss Apple Layers

Combine diced apples with sugar and warm spices. Scatter apple mixture across cheesecake filling in a generous, even layer.

  • Create Crispy Topping

Blend flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut cold butter into mixture until it forms delicate crumbs. Sprinkle crumbly topping over apple layer.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide cheesecake into oven. Bake 55-65 minutes until edges are firm and center has slight wobble. Remove and allow to cool completely.

  • Chill and Set

Wrap cheesecake and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight. This helps flavors meld and texture set beautifully.

  • Serve with Flair

Carefully release from springform pan. Slice into elegant wedges. Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Sweet Tips to Customize Apple Crisp Cheesecake

  • Cheesecake Pro Tips: Learn how to nail this delicious dessert every single time!
  • Perfect Texture Trick: Prevent cheesecake cracking by using a water bath during baking and avoiding overmixing ingredients, which introduces excess air into the batter.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it ideal for party planning or busy weekends.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a plant-based friendly dessert that everyone can enjoy.
  • Apple Variety Versatility: Experiment with different apple types like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji to create unique flavor profiles and texture variations in your cheesecake.

Ways to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Like a Pro

  • Warm Caramel Drizzle: Elevate each slice by drizzling rich, golden caramel sauce over the top, creating a luxurious and decadent dessert experience that enhances the apple and cheesecake flavors.
  • Creamy Vanilla Companion: Serve a small scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside each piece, offering a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced apple crisp cheesecake.
  • Cinnamon Dust Finale: Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the slices just before serving, adding an extra layer of aromatic warmth and visual appeal to the dessert.
  • Nutty Crunch Accent: Scatter some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts around the plate, providing a delightful textural crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake and crisp topping.

Chill, Store & Enjoy Apple Crisp Cheesecake Later

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep the dessert chilled for optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a delightful treat is always ready when cravings hit.
  • Thawing Method: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Allow it to slowly defrost, preserving its creamy consistency and delicate flavor profile.
  • Shelf Life Insight: Enjoy refrigerated cheesecake within 5-7 days for maximum taste and quality. Always use clean utensils when serving to extend its freshness and prevent contamination.
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Rustic Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

Rustic Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy cheesecake meets classic apple crisp in this divine dessert. Cinnamon-spiced apples and crumbly streusel topping create an irresistible blend of textures that will delight any sweet tooth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (40 g) old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crust Formation: Meld graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a compact mixture, pressing firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan to create an even foundation.
  2. Crust Preparation: Bake the crust at 350F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely.
  3. Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese and sugar until smooth, integrating eggs individually. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a silky batter.
  4. Apple Layer: Toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, coating thoroughly with the aromatic spice blend.
  5. Layering: Pour cream cheese mixture over cooled crust, then distribute spiced apple pieces evenly across the surface.
  6. Crisp Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Incorporate cold butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
  7. Assembly and Baking: Sprinkle crumbly topping completely over the apple layer, then bake at 350F for 55-65 minutes until edges are set and center remains slightly wobbly.
  8. Cooling and Setting: Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal consistency.
  9. Serving: Carefully release from springform pan, slice into elegant portions, and optionally drizzle with caramel sauce before presenting.

Notes

  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their vibrant color and prevent oxidation.
  • Create Smooth Cheesecake: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking during baking.
  • Master Crisp Topping: Freeze butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting into dry ingredients to achieve the perfect crumbly texture that doesn’t melt too quickly.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Pat apple pieces dry with paper towels before mixing with spices to prevent excess liquid from making the cheesecake soggy and ensure a perfectly set filling.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 270 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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