Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
Apple Pie Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for those who love the best of both worlds — creamy cheesecake and warm, spiced apples. This delightful recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cheesecake layer, and a luscious apple topping for a truly memorable treat.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 24 oz (675g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- For the Apple Topping:
- 3 large apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream or heavy cream until creamy.
- Step 4: Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake 50-60 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
- Step 5: While cheesecake cools, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes until apples are tender.
- Step 6: Sprinkle flour over apple mixture and stir to thicken. Cook 2-3 more minutes, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Step 7: After the cheesecake has fully cooled (preferably chilled for a few hours or overnight), spread the apple topping evenly over it.
- Step 8: Slice the cheesecake and top each piece with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- You can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time; just adjust the baking time to 5-10 minutes.
- Substitute the apple topping with pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a different fruity twist.
- For a nut-free version, omit any optional spices like nutmeg if preferred.
- Use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or commercial replacers for an egg-free cheesecake, noting that texture may vary slightly.
Storage
Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cheesecake slices in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought crust for this cheesecake?
Absolutely! A store-bought graham cracker crust works well and saves time. Just reduce baking the crust to about 5-10 minutes to avoid over-baking.
Can I substitute different fruits for the apple topping?
Yes, pears, peaches, or berries can be great alternatives. Adjust cooking time and sugar depending on the fruit’s softness and sweetness.
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Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours (including 2+ hours chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of freshly cooked apples, reminiscent of a traditional apple pie. A buttery graham cracker crust forms the base, topped with a smooth cheesecake layer and a luscious cooked apple topping, finished with whipped cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 24 oz (675g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 3 large apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined and has a wet sand-like texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and a little up the sides of your springform pan. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream or heavy cream until the batter is creamy and consistent.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour to cool slowly and prevent cracks.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: While the cheesecake cools, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Cook while stirring occasionally until apples are tender and coated in syrup, about 10 minutes.
- Thicken the Apple Mixture: Sprinkle flour over the cooked apples and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble Your Cheesecake: After the cheesecake has completely cooled and chilled for several hours or overnight, spoon the apple topping evenly over the surface.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake and garnish each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delightful, comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute a store-bought graham cracker crust for convenience; adjust baking time accordingly (5-10 minutes).
- Feel free to replace apples with pears, peaches, or berries, modifying cooking time and sugar amounts based on fruit sweetness and softness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months, thaw before serving.
- For an egg-free version, use flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacers, though texture may vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, apple topping, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake dessert
