Oh boy, let me tell you about my latest obsession in the kitchen: Apple Crisp Cheesecake! Picture this: a creamy, dreamy cheesecake with a vibrant apple filling, all topped off with a crispy, crunchy oat topping. It’s like a hug from an old friend but way better because it’s dessert! I’ve whipped this one up for family gatherings, and it’s always a hit. There’s just something about that cozy apple flavor combined with the smoothness of cheesecake that gets everyone swooning. Plus, it’s super versatile—it can be your go-to for holidays or just a cozy Sunday afternoon treat!
Now, I vividly remember the first time I made this delightful dish. It was autumn, and I had an abundance of apples from a weekend visit to the orchard. I was knee-deep in fall spices and my kitchen smelled heavenly. As I pulled the cheesecake from the oven, my family gathered around, eager for a slice. Let’s just say it disappeared faster than I could say “Apple Crisp Cheesecake!” So, without further ado, let’s dive into making this delicious dessert.
What’s in Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of our crust! They add a sweet and crunchy texture that perfectly balances the creamy filling.
Unsalted Butter: A must for binding the crust ingredients together. I find using unsalted helps control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
Sugar: You’ll need both granulated and brown sugar for sweetness throughout. Granulated for the crust and filling, and brown sugar adds a deeper flavor to the apple mixture.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature; it’ll whip up creamy and dreamy without any lumps.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this pure essence elevates the flavor of the cheesecake, bringing everything together.
Eggs: They provide structure to the cheesecake. I use large eggs for the best results.
Sour Cream: This adds a rich creaminess and a slight tang to the filling, making it taste so gourmet!
Apples: We’re using three medium apples for that luscious filling. I love mixing Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Cinnamon: A spice that embodies fall, it pairs beautifully with both the apple filling and the crisp topping.
Lemon Juice: Just a tablespoon to brighten up the flavors of the apples and prevent browning.
Oats: Rolled oats form the base of our crisp topping, adding that coveted crunch.
Flour: A little bit to help bind the crisp topping together.
Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, and Cinnamon: Optional but highly recommended for that finishing touch! Nothing says “dig in” quite like a beautiful dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.
Is Apple Crisp Cheesecake Good for You?
Ah, now let’s talk about the health benefits (or not!) of this delicious dessert. While it’s certainly not a salad, the ingredients in Apple Crisp Cheesecake do come with some perks.
Apples: Packed with vitamins and fiber, they contribute a bit of natural sweetness and antioxidants. Just don’t go too crazy on the sugar!
Cinnamon: Did you know it has anti-inflammatory properties? Plus, it can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making this festive spice a little health hero in your dessert.
Sour Cream: While it does contain fat, it’s also a good source of calcium. Moderation is key!
Now, I wouldn’t say this cheesecake should replace your daily greens, but it’s a delightful treat worth indulging in every now and then, especially when you’re craving something sweet and cozy.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 12 delightful slices:
– **For the Crust**:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup sugar
– **For the Cheesecake Filling**:
– 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– ½ cup sour cream
– **For the Apple Filling**:
– 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 medium apples)
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– **For the Crisp Topping**:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– ½ cup flour
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– **For Garnish**:
– Whipped cream
– Caramel sauce
– Additional cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake?
1. **Prepare the Crust**: Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
2. **Make the Apple Filling**: In a large bowl, combine those diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated and set aside while you work on the cheesecake filling.
3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling**: In a larger mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, mix in the sour cream until it’s all velvety.
4. **Assemble the Cheesecake**: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over that lovely cooled crust. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the filling, then pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the apples.
5. **Make the Crisp Topping**: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until you get a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheesecake filling.
6. **Bake**: Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven but let it cool inside with the door slightly ajar for an hour—this helps prevent cracks.
7. **Chill**: After an hour, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature. Cover it up and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavors.
8. **Serve**: When you’re ready to enjoy, garnish each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a pinch of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
Delicious Tips and Serving Suggestions
– For the best flavor, use a mix of different apple varieties. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my personal favorites!
– Don’t skip the step of softening your cream cheese beforehand; it makes all the difference in achieving that creamy texture.
– Want to save time? You can prepare this cheesecake a day in advance. It’s even better the next day, sitting pretty in the fridge, waiting for you to dig in!
So, what do you think? Ready to hit the kitchen and create something absolutely delectable? This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is sure to impress your friends and family (or just yourself, because you deserve it!). Give it a try, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—share your baking adventures with me!
