If you’ve ever dreamed of combining creamy cheesecake with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery oat crumble, this dessert is for you. Apple pie cheesecake is the perfect twist on two classic favorites, giving you layers of cozy flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or simply want something comforting, this recipe is easy to follow and turns out delicious every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Combines two timeless desserts in one
- Creamy cheesecake meets warm spiced apple filling
- Buttery graham crust with a hint of crunch
- Easy to make with simple, familiar ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
Ingredients for Apple Pie Cheesecake
Main Ingredients
- Apples
- Light brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Old fashioned oats
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Walnuts
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Eggs
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Ground cinnamon
- Crushed graham crackers
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Large saucepan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Utensils
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts from the crust with no other changes needed.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and certified gluten-free oats.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in a muffin tin for single-serve portions. Reduce bake time to 18-22 minutes.
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers and on top before serving.
- Apple-Free Alternative: Swap apples for pears for a lighter, floral twist.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake
Step 1 : Make the Apple Filling
First, peel, core, and finely chop the apples. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2 : Prepare the Crust and Topping
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. For the crumble topping, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Set aside.
Step 3 : Make the Cheesecake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
Step 4 : Assemble and Bake
Spoon the cooled apple filling over the cheesecake batter. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly across the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 60-70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
- Always use brick-style, full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for clean, easy slicing.
- For extra crisp topping, toast the crumble separately and sprinkle before serving.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cheesecake
Serve chilled or slightly cool with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel. This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with coffee, chai tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
This cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered. Leftovers keep well for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to one month.
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Homemade gives you better control over sweetness and spice.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracks often happen due to overbaking or rapid cooling. Avoid overmixing, and let it cool slowly at room temperature before chilling.
Can I skip the crumble topping?
Absolutely. It’s optional, but adds great texture and flavor.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
It’s not recommended. Full-fat gives the best structure and richness.
Conclusion
Apple pie cheesecake brings together the best parts of two comfort-food classics. It’s creamy, spiced, and layered with flavor. Once you make it, you’ll want it at every gathering. Give it a try and share your slice of cozy comfort!
If you loved this apple pie cheesecake, you’re going to want to explore even more irresistible dessert ideas. For a fruity twist without turning on the oven, try our No-Bake Blackberry Cheesecake—it’s creamy, vibrant, and perfect for warmer days. Craving a nostalgic, crunchy topping? Don’t miss our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake that’s packed with bold berry flavor and texture. And for a handheld treat that brings cheesecake to cookie form, bake a batch of our soft, sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies today.
Cheesecake has a rich and fascinating history that spans cultures and centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where cheesecake was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games. The evolution of this dessert took many forms, including the use of ricotta in Italian versions and quark in German variations. Today, many versions—like this apple pie cheesecake—are baked in a springform pan for that perfect clean edge and layered presentation. To achieve that smooth, creamy texture, it’s essential to use cream cheese, a soft cheese that became a staple in American-style cheesecakes in the 19th century.
Apple Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lbs apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled at least 10 minutes
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar firmly packed
- 7 Tablespoons salted butter melted
Cheesecake Batter
- 24 oz cream cheese softened, brick-style full-fat
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs room temperature preferred
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop apples. Cook with brown sugar, butter, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until tender and thickened. Let cool completely.
- Mix graham crumbs, walnuts, sugars, and melted butter. Press into springform pan. For crumble topping, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Set aside.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Pour batter over crust.
- Spoon apple filling over batter. Top with crumble. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60–70 min. Cool at room temp, then chill 4+ hours before slicing.