Best Apple Pie Cheesecake

Introduction

Best Apple Pie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup—creamy, rich cheesecake layered with spiced apple pie filling and a buttery crust. It combines the cozy warmth of apple pie with the smooth indulgence of classic cheesecake, creating a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want something truly special. Every bite delivers tender cinnamon apples, velvety cheesecake, and crisp crust in perfect harmony.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Two classic desserts in one

• Creamy cheesecake with spiced apple topping

• Perfect make-ahead dessert

• Ideal for holidays and gatherings

• Bakery-style results at home

Ingredients (serves 10–12)

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Apple Pie Topping

• 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ cup water

Optional Topping

• Whipped cream or caramel sauce

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan

• Mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Medium saucepan

• Rubber spatula

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Prepare the crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan. Bake 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the apple topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Mix the cheesecake filling

Beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

4. Add eggs and flavoring

Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Do not overmix.

5. Assemble the cheesecake

Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter.

6. Bake

Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 60–70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.

7. Cool gradually

Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.

8. Chill

Remove cheesecake and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.

9. Serve

Release from the springform pan. Slice and serve with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cold cream cheese — lumpy filling

• Overmixing — cracked cheesecake

• Adding hot apples — uneven baking

• Skipping cooling steps — sinking center

• Cutting too soon — messy slices

Variations of Best Apple Pie Cheesecake

• Streusel Topping — add a buttery crumb topping before baking

• Caramel Apple — swirl caramel into the apple layer

• Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars — bake in a 9×13 pan

• Spiced — add cloves or allspice

• Gluten-Free — use gluten-free graham crackers

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate up to 5 days

• Freeze slices up to 2 months

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator

• Best flavor after chilling overnight

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade offers better texture and flavor.

Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overmixing or cooling too quickly are common causes.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—this dessert is ideal made a day ahead.

Conclusion

Best Apple Pie Cheesecake is everything you want in a dessert—rich, creamy, spiced, and unforgettable. With layers of tender apples and smooth cheesecake on a buttery crust, it’s a guaranteed centerpiece for any dessert table and a recipe people will ask for again and again.