Name: Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 24 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for apples); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake combines the best of both worlds:

A velvety cheesecake base that’s rich but balanced
Warm apple filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
A crunchy, buttery oat crisp topping that gives each slice texture and sweetness
A show‑stopping dessert that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups crushed graham crackers
5 tablespoons melted butter
3 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons sugar for apples
1 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter for topping

Directions

Preheat your oven and prepare your springform pan.
Mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, and eggs one at a time, blending after each addition.
In a skillet, cook the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re soft and aromatic.
In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and butter to create the crumbly oat topping.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, then spread the cooked apples on top.
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples.
Bake at 325°F (about 160°C) until the center is set and the topping is golden.
Let the cheesecake cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people, making it ideal if you’re sharing with friends or family.
Prep time: about 20 minutes
Cook time: about 60–70 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Caramel Drizzle: Add warm caramel sauce over each slice for extra sweetness.
Different Apple Types: Mix sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith with Honeycrisp) for a more complex flavor.
Nut Topping: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat crumble for added crunch.
Spice Blend: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice with the cinnamon to deepen autumn flavors.
Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free graham crackers or gluten‑free oats to make this dessert suitable for gluten‑free diets.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
To refresh chilled slices, warm gently in a low oven (about 250°F / 120°C) or enjoy cold straight from the fridge depending on your preference.

FAQs

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The edges should be set and the center slightly wobbly — it will firm up as it cools.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can swap graham crackers for crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or speculoos.

Should the apples be cooked before baking?

Yes, pre‑cooking the apples makes them tender and full of flavor in the finished cheesecake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely — baking it a day before serving helps the flavors develop.

What type of apples are best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well for texture and taste.

Do I need a water bath for this cheesecake?

No, the oat crumble topping helps protect the cheesecake and you don’t need a water bath.

Can I use instant oats?

Rolled oats give better texture, but you can use quick oats if that’s what you have.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Avoid over‑mixing and don’t open the oven during baking; cool the cheesecake gradually.

Is it okay to freeze the cheesecake?

Yes, freezing works great. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Can I add spices like nutmeg or allspice?

Yes, adding small amounts enhances the warm apple flavor.

Conclusion

This apple crisp cheesecake is a show‑stopper dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its creamy layers and crisp oat topping make each slice a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite fall and winter dessert.