Apple Pie Cheesecake

Apple Pie Cheesecake is the perfect fusion of two timeless desserts the warmth of spiced apple pie and the creamy richness of a classic cheesecake. Each slice captures the coziness of fall, blending tender baked apples with smooth vanilla cheesecake, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s indulgent yet balanced, comforting yet elegant the kind of dessert that makes any table feel festive.

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What makes this dessert truly special is its texture and flavor contrast. The creamy cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with the tender apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the crust adds that perfect crunch. It’s like taking a bite of nostalgia and luxury at the same time.

Home cooks love this recipe because it’s impressive but approachable. With just a few careful steps, you can make a show-stopping dessert that feels straight from a bakery window. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, a fall dinner, or a weekend treat, Apple Pie Cheesecake is guaranteed to win hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two classics in one dessert: This Apple Pie Cheesecake blends the cozy comfort of homemade apple pie with the creamy luxury of classic cheesecake. It’s the ultimate fall dessert that feels nostalgic yet indulgent in every bite.
Perfect balance of textures: The crisp graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake filling, and tender spiced apple topping come together in perfect harmony. Every slice delivers contrast creamy, crunchy, and caramelized.
Rich fall flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring out the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a cozy autumn aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Crowd-pleasing presentation: With its glossy caramel drizzle and golden apple topping, this cheesecake looks as impressive as it tastes. It’s a guaranteed showstopper for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday table.
Surprisingly simple to make: Despite its bakery-level appearance, the steps are straightforward and approachable for home cooks. Each stage can be prepared ahead of time, making it stress-free for entertaining.
Versatile for all occasions: Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, celebrating a family milestone, or craving a comforting weekend dessert, this recipe fits the mood perfectly.
Customizable to your taste: You can tweak the sweetness, swap apple varieties, or add extras like pecans, caramel, or streusel to make it your own. The base recipe adapts beautifully.
Make-ahead friendly: The cheesecake tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen. It’s ideal for prepping a day before your event, saving time on the big day.
Elegant yet cozy flavor profile: It strikes the perfect balance between homestyle comfort and restaurant-quality sophistication something that feels special without being fussy.
Guaranteed to impress: Even guests who claim they “don’t like cheesecake” will reach for seconds. Its warm apple pie twist wins everyone over.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling & Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: About 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10 to 12 slices

Ingredients

For the Crust:

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

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping:

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Optional Toppings:

Salted caramel sauce
Whipped cream
Chopped pecans

Substitution Notes:

For a no-bake version, use a prepared crust and replace eggs with whipped topping for a light filling.
Gluten-free cookies can substitute graham crackers.
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Blend in vanilla extract and sour cream until creamy and lump-free. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture silky.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced apples. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 5 minutes until apples soften slightly and release juices. If needed, add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Let cool before layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Add a layer of cooked apples, then top with the remaining cheesecake batter. Smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the pan in a larger roasting pan filled with an inch of hot water to prevent cracks. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

After removing from the oven, let the cheesecake cool completely on a rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and texture to firm up.

Step 7: Add the Apple Topping

Before serving, arrange additional sautéed apples on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired. Slice carefully with a hot knife for neat edges.

How to Serve

Serve chilled slices of Apple Pie Cheesecake on white dessert plates for a clean, elegant look. A drizzle of warm salted caramel enhances the apple flavor and adds visual appeal. For a festive Thanksgiving touch, top with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pair it with a cup of coffee, spiced cider, or even a light dessert wine like Riesling. If you’re serving it as part of a holiday spread, it pairs beautifully after roasted turkey, stuffing, or any savory fall entrée.

For presentation, garnish with thin apple slices or crushed graham crackers for a rustic finish that looks bakery-perfect.

Additional Tips

Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Do not overbeat the batter to avoid air bubbles and cracks.
Wrap the pan tightly in foil before using a water bath to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
To slice cleanly, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.

Recipe Variations

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the baked cheesecake and sprinkle a light pinch of flaky sea salt. The sweet-salty combination elevates the dessert, balancing the tang of the cheesecake with the sweetness of the apples.
No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake: Skip the oven and use a graham cracker crust with a whipped cream cheese filling. Top with stovetop-cooked spiced apples and chill for a few hours before serving. It’s lighter, faster, and perfect for warmer months when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Baked Apple Cheesecake Bars: Turn the recipe into convenient handheld bars by layering the crust, cheesecake batter, and apple topping in a rectangular pan. Bake, cool, and slice into neat squares. Great for parties, potlucks, and bake sales.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Cheesecake: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar through the cheesecake batter before baking. Top with cream cheese icing to create a decadent fusion of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, with tender spiced apples baked right in.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake: Combine the creamy cheesecake layer with a crunchy oat crumble topping. The texture contrast between creamy and crisp makes this version especially satisfying for fall gatherings.
Gluten-Free Apple Cheesecake: Substitute almond or oat flour for the crust and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The nutty flavor complements the apples beautifully without compromising texture or flavor.
Mini Apple Pie Cheesecakes: Prepare individual cheesecakes in muffin tins lined with cupcake wrappers. They bake faster and look adorable on dessert trays ideal for buffets or portion-controlled servings.
Spiced Apple Chai Cheesecake: Infuse the cheesecake batter with a touch of chai spice blend cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. This twist deepens the flavor profile and pairs wonderfully with fall beverages like tea or cider.

These variations let you adapt the Apple Pie Cheesecake to different tastes, occasions, and skill levels from quick no-bake versions to bakery-style showstoppers.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze whole or in slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 210 mg

Final Words

Apple Pie Cheesecake is one of those desserts that brings pure joy with every bite rich, creamy, spiced, and deeply comforting. It perfectly blends two beloved classics, combining the homey warmth of apple pie with the elegance of a baked cheesecake. The result is a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, making it ideal for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or festive celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There’s something truly special about the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking this cheesecake. The scent of cinnamon apples mingling with vanilla and buttery crust creates a warmth that feels like a hug from the oven. And when you finally slice into it, the layers tell a story crisp crust, velvety cheesecake, tender apples, and glossy caramel. Every forkful delivers balance, comfort, and satisfaction in one delicious bite.

What makes this recipe even more rewarding is that it’s easy enough for home bakers yet refined enough to impress guests. You don’t need fancy tools or advanced skills just patience, good ingredients, and a love for baking. Once you’ve made this Apple Pie Cheesecake, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular dessert rotation. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a quiet family weekend, this recipe reminds us why homemade desserts will always have a place at the heart of every kitchen.

FAQ’s

Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Prepare it one or two days in advance and keep it refrigerated.

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Yes, but baking with a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.

At least 4 hours, though overnight chilling yields the best texture.

Absolutely. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing