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
- 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.
- Crust Preparation: Bake the crust at 350F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely.
- 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.
- Apple Layer: Toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, coating thoroughly with the aromatic spice blend.
- Layering: Pour cream cheese mixture over cooled crust, then distribute spiced apple pieces evenly across the surface.
- Crisp Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Incorporate cold butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
- 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.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal consistency.
- 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