This Apple Pie Cheesecake is a tasty blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet apple pie flavors. With a buttery crust and a delightful apple topping, it’s a slice of happiness!
You’ll love how this dessert brings together two favorites in one. I often serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on top—because who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These form the base of your crust. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour combined with a bit of sugar and butter as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake! Make sure it’s softened for a smooth texture. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well, but Honeycrisp adds a sweet crunch. Feel free to mix different apples for a more complex flavor!
Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: I usually opt for sour cream for a tangy twist. Heavy cream gives a richer taste; choose based on your preference.
How Can I Prevent My Cheesecake from Cracking?
Cracks can be a pain, but a few steps can help! First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature; this creates a smoother batter. After baking, let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open for an hour to prevent shocking it with a temperature change.
- Bake until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- A water bath can also help keep the heat gentle—wrap the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with water while baking.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pie Cheesecake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to chill it for at least 2 hours (or overnight is even better!) before serving. Totaling about 3 hours if you include cooling time, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. 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.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined and looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and a little up the sides of your springform pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or heavy cream) until you have a nice creamy batter.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the delicious cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. Now, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks!
5. Prepare the Apple Topping:
While the cheesecake cools, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are nice and tender and coated in that sweet syrup, about 10 minutes.
6. Thicken the Apple Mixture:
Sprinkle the flour over the apple mixture and stir to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Assemble Your Cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake is completely cooled (it’s even better if you let it chill for a few hours or overnight in the fridge), spoon the apple topping evenly over the cheesecake.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, slice the cheesecake and top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with caramel sauce for a little extra indulgence. Enjoy this delightful mix of cheesecake and apple pie in every bite!
Happy baking and enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Store-Bought Crust for the Cheesecake?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought graham cracker crust works perfectly. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed, typically, you may only need to bake it for about 5-10 minutes.
Can I Substitute Different Fruits for the Apple Topping?
Definitely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can make lovely toppings. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as softer fruits may require less cooking. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any remaining cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Cheesecake Without Eggs?
Yes! You can use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Bear in mind that the texture may change slightly, but it will still taste delicious!