Fall is the perfect season for warm, comforting desserts, and nothing hits the spot quite like the Apple Crisp Cheesecake Delight. This dessert beautifully combines two all-time favorites: creamy cheesecake and sweet, spiced apple crisp. Its golden crumb topping and rich filling make it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply an indulgent treat at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is approachable, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. With the perfect balance of tart apples, cinnamon spice, and smooth cheesecake, every bite is a deliciously layered experience.

Ingredients

Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

Apple Crisp Topping:

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnish:

Whipped cream
Caramel sauce
Extra cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until creamy and fully combined.
Layer the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Prepare the apple topping: In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg. In another small bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter to make the crisp topping. Mix until crumbly.
Assemble the dessert: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly on top of the apples.
Bake the dessert: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set around the edges but slightly wobbly in the center.
Cool and chill: Allow the dessert to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Serve and garnish: Slice into squares and serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Apple variety matters: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a nice contrast to the sweet cheesecake and crumble.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in your cheesecake.
Make ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.
Crumb topping variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for added crunch and flavor.

Variations

Mini Cheesecakes: Divide the layers into muffin tins for individual servings.
Spiced Twist: Add ground ginger or allspice to the apple topping for extra warmth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled for a firmer cheesecake texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted almonds for a festive touch.

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

Apple desserts have long been a staple in American kitchens, particularly in autumn when apples are at their peak. Combining the classic American cheesecake with a traditional apple crisp creates a dessert that celebrates the season while offering rich textures and flavors in every bite. This hybrid dessert has become a modern favorite at Thanksgiving tables and cozy fall gatherings.