Sweet Comfort Apple Crisp Cheesecake (Print)

Creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crisp oat topping come together in easy-to-share dessert squares.

# Components:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Layer

04 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Apple Filling

08 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
09 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Crisp Topping

12 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
13 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
14 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there's an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the surface gently.
04 - In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Distribute this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
05 - Combine all-purpose flour, oats, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apple layer.
06 - Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the crisp topping is golden brown.
07 - Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours before lifting it out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares for serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures in every bite
  • Makes an impressive dessert that's easier than traditional cheesecake
  • Can be prepared ahead for stress-free entertaining
  • Combines classic fall flavors with year-round appeal
02 -
  • The cream cheese must be fully softened for a smooth cheesecake layer
  • Cold butter is essential for achieving the perfect crumbly topping texture
  • Allowing proper cooling time prevents a runny center and ensures clean slices
03 -
  • For the most impressive presentation refrigerate the dessert overnight before cutting with a warm clean knife wiping the blade between each slice for perfect edges.
  • If serving at a gathering consider cutting smaller squares since this dessert is quite rich and indulgent a little goes a long way.

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