Apple Pie Cheesecake a Slice of Autumn Heaven
Apple Pie Cheesecake: A Slice of Autumn Heaven
Fancy a treat that's both comforting and a bit fancy? Have you ever wondered what happens when you mash up the best of apple pie with the creamy goodness of cheesecake? Well, let me tell you about my epic apple pie cheesecake .
It's like a warm hug on a plate, seriously.
Why You Need This Apple Pie Cheesecake In Your Life
This isn't just any dessert. This apple pie cheesecake recipe brings together two iconic flavors. It's a real crowd pleaser, perfect for impressing your mates or treating yourself after a long day.
It sits on a graham cracker crust. It is a delicious combination of an apple pie filling with cinnamon and nutmeg.
This glorious creation is a bit of an American classic with a modern twist. It's considered a medium difficulty bake, but trust me, it's worth the effort.
Give yourself around 3- 4 hours in total, including chilling time, and you’ll end up with about 12 slices.
This Apple Pie Cheesecake is Actually Good For You?! (Sort Of)
Okay, okay, it is still cheesecake, but hear me out! Apples bring some fibre and vitamins to the party. It's a perfect fall dessert recipes , but honestly, I make it all year round.
This recipe is special because it's that "something different" dessert everyone raves about. Who needs summer dessert ideas when you've got this?
Let's Gather Our Bits and Bobs (Ingredients)
Ready to get cracking? Here's what you'll need: You can even try this using mini apple cheesecake recipes . For the crust, get your hands on some graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
For the apple pie filling, apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a bit more butter. Finally, for the cheesecake itself, you'll need cream cheese (obviously!), sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs.
If you want to get real fancy, you can make apple cheesecake bars or even mini apple pie cheesecake bites !
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this dreamy apple pie cheesecake a reality. Honestly, this recipe is so worth the extra trip to the shops if you are missing something.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break it down, yeah? We'll get the shopping sorted and make sure you're not caught short mid-bake. No soggy bottoms here, thank you very much!
Main Ingredients
These are the stars of the show. No substitutions here, love. Well, maybe a few, but we'll get to that.
- Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups ( 150g ) graham cracker crumbs. Aim for the finely ground ones.
- 1/4 cup ( 50g ) granulated sugar. Regular white sugar is perfect.
- 6 tablespoons ( 85g ) unsalted butter, melted.
- Apple Pie Filling:
- 6 medium apples (about 3 lbs ). Go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape beautifully.
- 1/2 cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup ( 30g ) all-purpose flour. This helps thicken things up.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. The spice of the season, innit?
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Just a hint adds warmth.
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) lemon juice. Adds a bit of zing.
- 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted butter.
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce/225g each) packages cream cheese, softened. This is key for that creamy texture. Use full fat.
- 1 1/4 cups ( 250g ) granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) sour cream. Adds a bit of tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The real stuff, if you can.
- 3 large eggs .
Seasoning Notes
Essential spice combinations here is your basic pumpkin spiced apple cheesecake recipe . Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic combo. You can always add a pinch of ginger or allspice if you're feeling adventurous.
As for quick substitution options , I would try Apple pie spice. It has everything in one jar!
Equipment Needed
Essential tools only .
- 9 inch springform pan . Crucial for getting that lovely cheesecake shape.
- Food processor . Makes short work of the graham crackers.
- Electric mixer . Either stand or hand mixer works fine.
- Large bowl .
- Small bowl .
- Rubber spatula . For scraping down the sides.
- Aluminum foil . To prevent water from seeping in.
- Baking sheet .
- Wire rack .
Common household alternatives . If you don't have a food processor, a good old Ziploc bag and rolling pin will do the trick for the graham crackers.
No springform pan? A regular cake pan will work, but getting the cheesecake out might be tricky. Maybe consider mini apple pie cheesecake bites instead!
Apple Pie Cheesecake: A Slice of Autumn Heaven
Honestly, who doesn't love a good apple pie cheesecake ? It’s like getting two desserts in one, and trust me, it works! I’ve always been a bit of a cheesecake fanatic.
My nan used to make amazing apple cheesecake bars , always a hit at family gatherings. This recipe? It's way better.
Sorry, Nan!
Prep Steps: Get Your Kitchen Ready!
Okay, let's talk prep. "Mise en place" sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready before you start. Peel and slice those 6 medium apples .
Mix your crust ingredients. Soften your cream cheese. This saves you a tonne of time. I can’t stress this enough: softened cream cheese! Otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy cheesecake, and nobody wants that, right? Time to get ready!
step-by-step to Apple Pie Cheesecake Bliss
- Crush 1 1/2 cups graham crackers. Mix with 1/4 cup sugar and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Press into a springform pan. Chill it for 30 minutes .
- Sauté the apples with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until soft.
- Beat 3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese with 1 1/4 cups sugar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 3 eggs , one at a time.
- Pour half the cheesecake filling over the crust. Add the apple filling, then the rest of the cheesecake.
- Bake in a water bath at 325° F ( 160° C) for 60- 75 minutes . The center should still wobble slightly.
- Turn off the oven and let it cool inside for 1 hour with the door ajar. Then, cool completely.
- Chill for at least 4 hours , or overnight.
- Slice and serve!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Apple Pie Cheesecake
Don't overmix the batter, seriously! It prevents cracks. Also, a water bath? Essential. Wrap that springform pan in foil to stop leaks.
For amazing Summer Dessert Ideas , top this beauty with fresh berries. If you're looking for something for Fall dessert recipes , then this is a great choice! You can easily adapt this into mini apple pie cheesecake bites for parties.
Just use muffin tins! This might be perfect for creating Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecake . And for those who need a quick bite, make these Mini Apple Crisp Cheesecake Recipes or some Mini Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites .
Speaking of parties, everyone always wants to know what's in it. The cheesecake apple pie filling is the star, and the graham cracker crust cheesecake apple pie adds the perfect crunch.
Some of my friends even ask for Spiced apple cheesecake recipe , especially in the autumn. You can consider making Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecake .
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Apple Pie Cheesecake
Right, so you're about to make this amazing apple pie cheesecake . Honestly, you're in for a treat! Here are a few bits and bobs to keep in mind, based on my own kitchen escapades.
I once tried rushing the cooling process, and let’s just say the crack in my cheesecake resembled the Grand Canyon! Learn from my mistakes.
And if you are looking for Mini Apple Cheesecake Recipes , or even Mini Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites , you should know all these notes apply to the mini versions as well!
Plating & Presentation: Show it Off!
First impressions matter, right? Slice that apple pie cheesecake like you mean it. A clean, sharp knife is your best mate here.
For presentation, think layers. Maybe a swirl of whipped cream on top. A drizzle of caramel? Oh my gosh, yes! You could even sprinkle some crushed walnuts for extra texture.
Serving it with a hot cup of tea is also a game changer. If it's summer, maybe try a cool glass of lemonade.
For fancier events, it's good with a glass of dessert wine. Now that's sophisticated summer dessert ideas !
Storage Secrets: Keep it Fresh!
This apple pie cheesecake , or even the mini apple crisp cheesecake recipes is best enjoyed fresh but leftover can be good.
For refrigeration, wrap that bad boy up tight! Cling film or an airtight container is your friend. It'll last about three to four days in the fridge.
Freezing? Possible! But the texture might change a bit. Slice it first, then wrap each slice individually. That way, you can grab a slice of heaven whenever you fancy.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, honestly, I prefer it cold. But if you must, a very low oven for a few minutes will do the trick.
Just watch it doesn't dry out.
Tweaks & Twists: Make it Your Own!
Got dietary needs? No worries! For a gluten-free version, swap the graham crackers for gluten-free ones. Easy peasy. Want to make it lighter? Use light cream cheese and less sugar.
Boom! You have dietary adaptations. Feel free to check some alternative apple cheesecake bars .
If apples are out of season, try pears! Or even peaches in the summer. This makes it a great candidate for some fall dessert recipes !.
Be creative. The whole thing rests upon this Cheesecake apple pie filling . It is just a canvas of dreams!
Nutrition Nibbles: The Good Stuff!
Okay, so it's a dessert. Let's be real. One slice is roughly 550-650 calories. I know, I know! But it also has some protein (8-10g) and some carbs (50-60g).
The cinnamon in the spiced apple cheesecake recipe might even have some health benefits. Don't quote me on that, though! Honestly, it's about balance, innit? Enjoy a slice, savour every bite, and move on.
Consider the benefits of the ingredients and try a graham cracker crust cheesecake apple pie !
So, there you have it. All the insider info. Get baking! And don't be afraid to experiment. After all, cooking is all about having a laugh, isn't it? You’ve got this! Now get baking this perfect apple pie cheesecake !
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my apple pie cheesecake crack, and how can I prevent it?
Cracking is a common cheesecake woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on "The Great British Bake Off"! It's usually caused by rapid temperature changes or overbaking. To avoid cracks, use a water bath (as instructed in the recipe), don't overmix the batter (incorporating too much air), cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven with the door ajar, and be sure to use room temperature cream cheese when mixing your ingredients.
Can I make the apple pie cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's encouraged. Making your apple pie cheesecake ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly. Bake it a day or two in advance, then keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Like a good cup of tea, it gets better with time (within reason, of course!).
How should I store leftover apple pie cheesecake?
Keep any leftover apple pie cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. After that, the texture and flavor might start to decline, and nobody wants a sad cheesecake experience!
Can I freeze this apple pie cheesecake?
Yes, you can! For best results, freeze the cheesecake without any toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Just like a good comeback tour, it might not be exactly the same as the original, but still pretty darn good!
Are there any variations I can make to this apple pie cheesecake?
Definitely! You could add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a caramel apple pie cheesecake. For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or as a topping.
And if you're feeling adventurous, swap out the graham cracker crust for a gingersnap crust for a spicy twist, a bit like adding a dash of chilli to your chocolate!
Is this apple pie cheesecake recipe suitable for someone with dietary restrictions?
With a few tweaks, yes! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. For a vegan option, substitute vegan cream cheese, butter, and egg replacement. Keep in mind these substitutions might slightly alter the taste and texture, but they'll still result in a delicious dessert you can enjoy.
Always double check ingredient labels, mind you, to be on the safe side!
Apple Pie Cheesecake A Slice Of Autumn Heaven
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
