The Best Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipe

The moment I made and shared my apple cheesecake bars with streusel crisp on top, the internet went crazy so naturally I had to make sure that I also shared a more traditional version of that dessert for everyone that want to have an authentic to serve to their guest to really wow them!

You’ll want to make this cheesecake for holiday gatherings, fall parties, or whenever you’re craving a comforting dessert. It’s a great option for a dinner party, as it looks stunning but is surprisingly easy to make ahead. Plus, the mix of tart apples and creamy cheesecake, topped with crunchy streusel, is perfect for chilly nights when you need a sweet treat to end the day. It earns its spot on my list of Thanksgiving dessert recipes every single year. If you need something more portable for the same table, bite-sized apple pies baked in a muffin tin travel a lot better than a cheesecake does.

Ingredients for this Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this apple cheesecake recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for detailed ingredient measurements. 

Oat Streusel Crisp Topping

• Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: add a hearty, chewy texture to the streusel.
• All-purpose Flour: provides the base structure, helping it hold together and create that classic crumbly texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: sweetens the topping and adds a hint of caramel-like richness.
• Salt: enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the depth of the other ingredients.
• Ground Cinnamon: gives the streusel a warm, spicy aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple filling.
• Unsalted butter: binds the dry ingredients together and creates a rich, crispy texture as the streusel bakes. Melt the butter for this step.

Graham Cracker Crust

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: form the crust base by providing a crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: sweetens the crust and helps it caramelize slightly during baking.
• Ground Cinnamon: adds warmth and a hint of spice that enhances the flavor of both the crust and the filling.
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the crust’s overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: binds the crumbs together and gives the crust its firm structure and a rich, buttery taste once baked.

Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese: The star of the filling! Cream cheese gives the cheesecake its signature creamy, rich, and smooth texture. Take it out before you start so it softens and returns to room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: sweetens the filling and helps create a silky, smooth consistency.
• Brown Sugar: adds sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor.
• Eggs: provide structure to the cheesecake, helping it set while keeping it creamy and soft.
• Sour Cream: adds tanginess, balances the sweetness, and contributes to the creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: adds richness and makes the filling extra smooth and velvety.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: provides a fragrant vanilla flavor with those aesthetic specks of vanilla seeds throughout the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: enhances the vanilla flavor by making the apple crisp cheesecake recipe aromatic and flavorful.
• Cornstarch: helps thicken the filling and gives the cheesecake a smooth consistency without being too dense.

Apple Filling

• Apples: provide the sweet, tart, and juicy base for the filling. I personally used Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp apples, but feel free to use whichever apple varieties you like best.
• Granulated Sugar: adds a touch of sweetness to balance the apples’ tartness.
• Brown Sugar: provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the flavor of the apples as they cook.
• Lemon Juice: brightens the flavors and helps prevent the apples from browning while adding a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: adds a warm spice that perfectly complements the apple flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: adds a hint of aromatics, deepening the flavor and giving the apple filling a cozy, comforting feel.

What cheesecake pan is best for this recipe?

This is a fairly high cheesecake so I definitely recommend using this USA pan 9-inch cheesecake pan. Not only is it leakproof, but it is also tall enough to handle how big this specific cheesecake is!

How to make this apple crisp cheesecake recipe

Here is how to make this apple cinnamon cheesecake. Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for full step-by-step instructions! 

Make the Oat Streusel

1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the rest. Whatever oats are left in the container go straight into my apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies.

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven and wrap the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well-moistened.
3. Firmly press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides, using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to pack it down into an even layer.
4. Bake until solidified, then let it cool completely.

Prepare the Apple Filling

• In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with both sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re well-coated. Set the apple mixture aside. If you’d rather cook your filling down on the stove first, my thick homemade apple filling works here too.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large stand mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with a paddle attachment until smooth and creamy. You can also do this with a handheld electric mixer.
2. Add the brown sugar and cornstarch, mixing until combined.
3. Next, add the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully blended and silky.
4. Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.
6. Evenly layer the apple slices over the cheesecake filling. If they’ve released a lot of juice, leave the excess behind.
7. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the layer of cinnamon apples.

Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan filled with boiling water (water bath baking method) and place in the preheated oven.
2. Bake the cheesecake until the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside to prevent cracking.
4. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to fully set.
5. When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and enjoy! For an extra indulgence, top it with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or some whipped cream.

Why do you need to make this apple crisp cheesecake recipe?

• This recipe may have a lot of steps, but it uses simple ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.
• It’s one of the best cheesecake flavors and apple desserts you can make to get you and your family excited for the holiday season.
• It’s guaranteed to be a huge hit with everyone at your dinner table or holiday parties.
• If you want the same apple and streusel flavors without the cheesecake layer, my Dutch apple pie bars are the easier weeknight version.
• And once apple season winds down, my pumpkin crisp baked in one skillet picks up right where this leaves off.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do I turn graham crackers into crumbs?

The best way is to blend them using a food processor. If you don’t have one, you can put them into a sealed Ziploc bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin on a kitchen countertop.

How do I store my leftovers of this apple crisp cheesecake recipe?

​For short-term storage, simply put the slices into an airtight container and put it in the fridge. It should last for at least 3 or 4 days. For longer storage, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then put them in an airtight container and store in the freezer. This will keep away freezer burn and keep them fresh for at least a month or two. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy!

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use other varieties like Golden Delicious or Pink Lady for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that different apples may slightly change the texture. It’s the same rule I follow for my cinnamon baked apples, firm varieties hold their shape and soft ones turn to mush.

Can I make this apple crisp cheesecake recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to make it at least one day in advance to let the flavors develop and the cheesecake fully set. Just refrigerate it overnight and it’s ready to go. That overnight chill is the same trick that makes my classic pumpkin cheesecake slice so cleanly.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Resist the urge to bake until fully firm, as this can cause overcooking and cracks. The good thing about this cheesecake is that it will be okay even if it cracks because it is topped with both apples and streusel so it will look just fine!