Are you craving that warm, comforting taste of a classic apple crisp, but with the creamy richness of cheesecake? Look no further! This recipe brings you the best of both worlds, creating a delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget expensive restaurant versions – this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Factory-inspired recipe is your ticket to homemade heaven, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your guests. Get ready to dive into a truly delightful experience!
Ingredients:
For the Apple Crisp Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Crust (optional - use a store-bought graham cracker crust for convenience):
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Prepare the Apple Crisp Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking pan.
- Dot the top of the apple mixture with cold butter pieces and sprinkle with rolled oats.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the apple crisp filling, spreading evenly.
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the larger pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this creates a water bath for even baking and prevents cracking).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
- Let the dessert cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly. Refrigerating for at least 2 hours enhances the experience.
Make the Crust (optional):
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden, before adding the apple filling and cheesecake mixture.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Crisp Cheesecake:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the cheesecake batter; this can lead to cracks.
- The water bath helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking and ensures even baking.
- Let the dessert cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple crisp topping for extra crunch.
- Use different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to customize the flavor.
- For a richer cheesecake layer, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Drizzle a caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar over the finished dessert for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Fat: Approximately 25-30g Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
This recipe provides delicious and easy-to-follow instructions for creating a truly decadent dessert. Enjoy this homemade version of an Apple Crisp Cheesecake Factory treat! It’s a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones.