Apple Crisp Cheesecake with Caramel Crunch is a rich and indulgent dessert that blends the creamy smoothness of cheesecake with the cozy flavors of baked apples, a crunchy oat topping, and a finishing drizzle of golden caramel. It’s the kind of show-stopping treat I love serving when I want something comforting yet elegant all in one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dessert combines three of my favorites: apple crisp, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel. The cheesecake layer is silky and not overly sweet, perfectly balancing the tender spiced apples and crisp topping. And the caramel drizzle? It takes everything over the top. It’s one of those desserts that feels like fall but tastes amazing any time of year.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Graham cracker crumbs
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Melted butter
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Cream cheese, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Apples, peeled and diced
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Ground cinnamon
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Nutmeg
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All-purpose flour
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Rolled oats
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Cold butter, cubed
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Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a springform pan with parchment paper.
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I combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of the pan for the crust.
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I beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until creamy and well blended.
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I pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top.
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I toss diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little brown sugar, then spoon them evenly over the cheesecake layer.
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I mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter with my fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly, then sprinkle the topping generously over the apples.
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I bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and the topping is golden brown.
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I cool the cheesecake completely, then chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
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Right before serving, I drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 10–12 slices.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 55 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: about 5 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Variations
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I sometimes use a gingersnap crust instead of graham crackers for a spiced base.
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When I want extra texture, I mix chopped pecans into the crumble topping.
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I’ve added a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the apples for more depth.
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For a shortcut, I use canned apple pie filling, though I prefer fresh apples.
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I occasionally swirl caramel into the cheesecake batter before baking for even more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It tastes even better after the first day as the flavors meld. I don’t recommend reheating it — I always serve it chilled or at room temperature. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices and thaw them in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made apple pie filling?
Yes, I sometimes use pie filling when I’m short on time, though I prefer the texture and taste of fresh apples.
What apples work best for baking?
I like using tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of Honeycrisp and Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.
How do I keep the topping crisp after chilling?
The crumble will soften slightly in the fridge, but I toast extra topping separately and sprinkle it on just before serving if I want a crunchier texture.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely — I usually make it the day before, which gives it time to set perfectly and makes slicing easier.
Do I have to use a springform pan?
I recommend it for the cleanest release, but I’ve also made it in a deep pie dish — I just line it well and adjust the bake time slightly.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Cheesecake with Caramel Crunch is one of those layered desserts that looks impressive and tastes even better than it looks. I love how the creamy cheesecake plays off the warm apples and crisp topping, all finished with that rich caramel drizzle. It’s cozy, luxurious, and exactly what I want when I’m craving something sweet, satisfying, and unforgettable.
Print
Apple Crisp Cheesecake with Caramel Crunch
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Crisp Cheesecake with Caramel Crunch is the ultimate layered dessert — combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple topping, and a golden oat crumble, all finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. This cozy, show-stopping treat delivers fall flavor in every rich, indulgent bite — perfect for holidays or any time you want a dessert that impresses.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (divided)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2–3 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and diced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a springform pan with parchment paper.
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Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of the pan for the crust.
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until fully blended.
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Pour cheesecake batter over crust and smooth the top.
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Toss diced apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.
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In a separate bowl, combine oats, remaining flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Cut together until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
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Bake 50–60 minutes or until cheesecake is mostly set and topping is golden.
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Cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
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Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a gingersnap crust for a spicier twist.
- Add chopped pecans to the crumble for extra texture.
- A swirl of caramel in the batter adds even more richness.
- Make a day ahead for best flavor and texture.
- Toast extra crumble separately if you want added crunch on top after chilling.
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