Welcome to fall and all the delicious seasonal recipes that come with it! If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert, then look no further than this Apple Cheesecake.
Packed with flavors of Fall—think juicy apples, rich and creamy cheese cake and a crunchy cinnamon graham cracker crust—this delectable treat will be a hit at any gathering.
Not only does it have all the components of an ideal Fall dessert, but it's also one of the easiest cheesecake recipes you will ever make!
Follow along in this post for our step-by-step guide on how to make your own heavenly Apple Cheesecake.
Celebrate Fall Flavors
Dear readers, as the holiday season is just around the corner, why not try out this fantastic apple cheesecake recipe?
It's the perfect way to put a memorable finishing touch on a special meal. You will be treating your family and friends to a dessert that's delicious and packed with the flavors of fall.
Get into the kitchen and embrace the spirit of the season. The aroma of apples, cinnamon, and cheesecake filling your home will be the first reward of many.
Recipe Prep
- Lightly butter a 7, 8 or 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with a round piece of parchment paper.
- Make a 9-inch cinnamon graham cracker cheesecake crust.
- Peel, and core the apples. Slice four cups and dice one cup. To prevent the apples from browning while you are making the crust and cheesecake filling soak the sliced apples in one bowl and the diced apples in another bowl with some diluted Fruit Fresh or lemon juice. Rinse the apple pieces off before adding to the cheesecake.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. degrees.
Apple Cheesecake Crust Ingredients
- 12 Cinnamon graham cracker cookies, crushed into fine crumbs.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Crust Directions
I love using a food processor to crush cookies into crumbs for my cheesecake crusts. The food processor works much better when you need fine crumbs. It also makes mixing the butter into the cookie crumbs very easy.
- On high using a food processor crush the cookies into fine crumbs or place the cookies in a plastic bag, seal the top and pound the cookies into fine crumbs.
- Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and pulse the food processor until the crumbs are evenly moistened. If using a bag pour the melted butter in, zip it closed and squeeze and work the butter into the graham cracker crumbs.
- Dump the damped crumbs into the prepared springform pan and press the crumbs slightly up the sides of the pan and down into the bottom.
- Place the cheesecake crust into the freezer to firm up until ready to fill.
Apple Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
This easy apple cheesecake filling and topping only requires 6 ingredients to make plus a 2 ingredient cheesecake crust.
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
👇See the step by step directions below!
- cream cheese: I have used Philadelphia cream cheese for this recipe. Any brand will work. The difference I have found is that Philadelphia cream cheese softens quicker than other brands.
- white sugar: add just a hint of sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
- large eggs: warm the eggs before using by removing them from the refrigerator an hour before baking or by soaking them in a bowl of warm tap water.
- vanilla extract: Use only pure vanilla extract for the best vanilla flavor. I always use my homemade vanilla extract when baking.
- apples: You will need about 8 to 10 apples. I used Gala apples for this recipe but any favorite variety of apple can be used. To prevent the apples from browning use a fruit protector like Fruit Fresh while you are dicing and slicing the apples.
Step by Step Directions
Follow these easy step by step instructions to make apple cheesecake filling.
- Step 1: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand held mixer until creamy and lump free. Do not skip this step or you could end up with lumps of cream cheese in your filling.
- Step 2: Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat for 2 minutes to combine.
- Step 3: Add the eggs to the bowl and beat for 1 minute then scrape the sides of the bowl down so all of the cream cheese gets evenly blended. You will notice the thicker lumps of cream cheese that have been stuck to the sides of the bowl. Beat for 2 more minutes to combine.
- Step 4: Add the diced apple pieces to the bowl with the cheesecake filling. Using a spatula fold the apple pieces in until they are evenly distributed through out the cheesecake filling.
- Step 5: Pour the apple cheesecake filling into the prepared 9-inch springform crust. If baking the cheesecake in a Bain Marie wrap the springform pan in double layers of aluminum foil and prepare the large roasting pan that will hold the cheesecake. Set the cheesecake aside while making the apple topping.
Apple Cheesecake Topping
- Step 6: Mix the sliced apples, sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until the sugar has mostly dissolved.
- Step 7: Pour the cinnamon apples over the top of the apple cheesecake filling. If you like you can arrange the apple slices in a pretty spiral pattern over the top of the cheesecake.
- Step 8: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 80 minutes. Once the baking time is up turn off the oven and crack to oven door open. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for 60 minutes so it can slowly cool down.
- Step 9: After the cheesecake has slowly cooled in the oven remove it to the counter and allow it to cool on a wire cooling rack until it has reached room temperature.
- Step 10: Tightly cover the cheesecake still in the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is recommended.
Serving Apple Cheesecake
- Step 11: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator. Open the clasp on the side of the springform pan. Carefully lift the pan up and over the cheesecake. Place the cheesecake on a dessert stand or serving platter.
- Step 12: Using a thin sharp knife slice the cheesecake into individual servings. Wipe and rinse the knife clean between slices.
Optional Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Apple Cheesecake can elevate its visual appeal and enhance its flavor.
- Caramel sauce: Consider a drizzle of caramel sauce for a touch of extra sweetness. Thinly sliced fresh apples arranged on top can add a refreshing crunch and highlight the main ingredient.
- Chopped Nuts: If you want to add a nutty flavor, a sprinkling of toasted pecans or walnuts would work wonderfully. Remember, garnishes should not only be attractive but also complement the flavors of your cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
Apple cheesecake can be a good dessert recipe for various occasions. It is perfect for fall gatherings, as the flavors of apple and cinnamon evoke feelings of warmth and coziness.
It can also be served during holiday celebrations, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, as it pairs well with traditional seasonal dishes.
You can also enjoy it as a decadent treat for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
However, there is no need for a specific occasion to indulge in this delicious dessert – it can be enjoyed any time of the year!
So, next time you are looking for a delicious and versatile dessert option, consider making an Apple Cheesecake.
Check out the cheesecake filling recipe that started it all!
Recipe FAQS
A springform pan is the recommended type of pan to bake a cheesecake in. It makes slicing and serving the cheesecake easy. Most 8 or 9-inch cheesecake fillings will fit in this type of pan perfectly.
The type of apple you use to make an apple cheesecake is really up to you. Use a apple variety that you enjoy eating.
Store leftover apple cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or wrap it in plastic wrap being very careful not to smash the cheesecake.
📌Pro Cooking Tips
- Graham cracker crust: I used cinnamon graham crackers to make the crust. It adds a lovely cinnamon flavor to the cheesecake that balances perfectly with the cinnamon apple topping.
- soften the cream cheese completely or there will be lumps of cream cheese in the filling. I can not stress this enough. Improperly softened cream cheese will not have a smooth and creamy texture.
- apples: apples start to brown as soon as they are peeled. Some varieties brown faster or slower. The only way to prevent your apples from browning is to use a citric acid based fruit protector. These products are often sold near the canning products in most stores.
- Baking cheesecakes: a Bain Marie is a method of baking a cheesecake in a water bath. This method allows the cheesecake center to bake into a thick and rich texture.
- Cooling in the oven: Cooling a baked cheesecake in the oven helps prevent the top of the cheesecake from cracking because of the temperature change from the hot oven to the cooler counter top.
Bake It!
Now that you know how easy it is to make this delicious Apple Cheesecake with an apple cinnamon topping, why not give it a try?
Not only is it easy and fun to make, but with its Fall flavors, makes the perfect dessert for autumn gatherings or holiday parties.
And when your friends and family take a bite, they’ll be so impressed with your baking skills — not to mention the fantastic flavor of this cheesecake.
So, the next time you want something special for dessert — make sure you try this delicious recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy, and happy baking!
More Holiday Cheesecake Recipes
Now that you know how to make a mouth-watering apple cheesecake, why not try your hand at other holiday cheesecake recipes?
These cheesecake desserts are perfect for serving at festive gatherings or enjoying with loved ones during the holiday season.
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Apple Cheesecake
Equipment
Ingredients
Apple Cheesecake Crust
- 1 ¾ cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Apple Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs ( room temp)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples
Apple Cheesecake Topping
- 4 cups sliced apples
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Garnishes
- Whip Cream
- Caramel Sauce
- Chopped Pecans
Instructions
Prep
- Lightly butter a 8 or 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with a round piece of parchment paper.
- Make a 8 or 9-inch cinnamon graham cracker cheesecake crust following the directions below before starting the cheesecake filling.
- Peel, and core the apples. Slice four cups and dice one cup.
Cheesecake Crust
- On high using a food processor crush the cookies into fine crumbs or place the cookies in a plastic bag, seal the top and pound the cookies into fine crumbs.
- Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and pulse the food processor until the crumbs are evenly moistened. If using a bag pour the melted butter in, zip it closed and squeeze and work the butter into the graham cracker crumbs.
- Dump the moistened cookie crumbs into the prepared springform pan and press the crumbs slightly up the sides of the pan and down into the bottom.
- Place the cheesecake crust into the freezer to firm up until ready to fill.
Apple Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand held mixer until creamy and lump free. Do not skip this step.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat for 2 minutes to combine.
- Add the eggs to the bowl and beat for 1 minute then scrape the sides of the bowl down so all of the cream cheese gets evenly blended.
- Add the diced apple pieces to the bowl with the cheesecake filling. Using a spatula fold the apple pieces in until they are evenly distributed through out the cheesecake filling.
- Pour the apple cheesecake filling into the prepared 9-inch springform crust. If baking the cheesecake in a Bain Marie prepare the pan. Set aside to make the topping.
Apple Cheesecake Topping
- Mix the sliced apples, sugar and ground cinnamon n a small bowl until the sugar has mostly dissolved.
- Pour the cinnamon apple cheesecake topping over the top of the apple cheesecake filling. If you like you can arrange the apple slices in a pretty spiral pattern over the top of the cheesecake.
- Bake the cheesecake in the 350 °F preheated oven for 80 minutes.
- Once the baking time is up turn off the oven and crack to oven door open. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for 60 minutes so it can slowly cool down. After the cheesecake has slowly cooled in the oven remove it to the counter and allow it to cool on a wire cooling rack until it has reached room temperature.
- Tightly cover the apple cheesecake still in the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is recommended.
- Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator. Open the clasp on the side of the springform pan. Carefully lift the pan up and over the cheesecake. Place the cheesecake on a dessert stand or serving platter.
- Using a thin sharp knife to slice the cheesecake into individual servings. Wipe and rinse the knife clean between slices.
- Makes 16 servings.
- Garnish each serving with whip cream, caramel sauce and crushed pecans.
Teresa Dankerlui
I would like to try that.