Apple Crisp Cheesecake (Creamy, Cozy & Irresistible)

If classic apple crisp and rich baked cheesecake had a dessert love story, Apple Crisp Cheesecake would be the unforgettable result. This show-stopping dessert layers a buttery graham cracker crust with ultra-creamy cheesecake, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a golden oat crumble that bakes up crisp and fragrant.

It’s everything we love about fall desserts in one elegant slice—comforting, indulgent, and perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that truly feels special.

Unlike traditional cheesecakes that rely solely on richness, this one plays with contrast. The creamy filling balances the warmth of baked apples, while the crisp topping adds texture that keeps every bite interesting. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a dinner party, or simply to treat yourself, this apple crisp cheesecake earns its place at center stage.

Why This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Works So Well

This recipe is carefully designed so every layer shines:

• Buttery crust that stays crisp under the filling
• Silky cheesecake that’s rich but not heavy
• Soft cinnamon apples that bake into jammy perfection
• Crunchy oat topping for contrast and aroma
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining

It’s cozy enough for casual family dinners and impressive enough for special occasions.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Layer

• 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Crisp Topping

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake 10 minutes and cool.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until creamy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
6. Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon apple mixture evenly over the top.
7. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
8. Sprinkle crisp topping evenly over the apples.
9. Place pan in a water bath and bake for 65–75 minutes, until the center is just set.
10. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
11. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake

A creamy baked cheesecake layered with cinnamon apples and topped with a golden oat crisp.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.25 cup brown sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs large
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Layer

• 3 cups apples peeled and sliced
• 0.33 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Crisp Topping

• 0.75 cup old-fashioned oats
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

Equipment

• Springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Roasting pan for water bath

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare springform pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients, press into pan, and bake 10 minutes.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream and vanilla.
5. Toss apples with sugar, spices, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
6. Pour filling over crust and spoon apples on top.
7. Prepare crisp topping and sprinkle evenly.
8. Bake in water bath 65–75 minutes.
9. Cool gradually, then refrigerate before serving.

Notes

Chill overnight for best flavor and clean slices.

Tips for a Perfect Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Choose the right apples.
Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance sweetness.

Use room-temperature cream cheese.
This ensures a silky-smooth filling with no lumps.

Don’t skip the water bath.
It prevents cracks and keeps the cheesecake creamy.

Chill fully before slicing.
Flavor and texture improve dramatically after resting overnight.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake: Drizzle caramel before serving
• Spiced Apple Cheesecake: Add cloves or allspice
• Pecan Apple Crisp Cheesecake: Swap oats for chopped pecans
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and oats

Each version keeps the cozy spirit while adding a new twist.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp cheesecake pairs beautifully with:

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Warm caramel sauce
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Hot coffee, chai, or spiced cider

Serve chilled for clean slices or slightly warmed for extra comfort.

A Dessert Rooted in Comfort

Apple desserts have long symbolized warmth, home, and hospitality. Cheesecake, meanwhile, represents indulgence and celebration. This recipe brings both traditions together, creating a dessert that feels nostalgic yet elevated—a perfect balance of old-fashioned comfort and modern baking.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days
• Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
• Best flavor develops after 24 hours of chilling

Final Thoughts

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the kind of dessert people remember. Creamy, crunchy, warmly spiced, and deeply satisfying, it’s proof that you don’t have to choose between classic comfort and elegant indulgence. One bite, and it becomes a tradition.