Apple Pie Cheesecake

Everyone loves apple pie and cheesecake, so combining the two creates a dessert that’s truly irresistible. This Apple Pie Cheesecake features a creamy cheesecake layer topped with sweet, spiced apples, all baked inside a buttery pie crust. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it looks.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 double pie crust or prepared uncooked pie crust

Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (2 packages)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

Apple Mixture:

• 6 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Optional:

• Caramel sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a deep dish pie plate with the bottom pie crust.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla on high until fluffy.
3. Add eggs and mix until fully combined, then pour into the prepared pie crust.
4. In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples, lemon juice, ½ cup sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
5. Gently place the apple mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
6. Cover apples with the second pie crust and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust.
7. Place the pie on a parchment-lined pan, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until apples are tender.
9. Cool pie for 10 minutes, then on the countertop for 1 hour.
10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
11. Serve chilled, optionally with caramel sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Variations

1. Caramel Apple Swirl Cheesecake
   Drizzle caramel sauce into the cream cheese layer before adding the apples. This creates a rich, marbled effect and intensifies the caramel flavor in every bite.
2. Cinnamon Streusel Topping
   Make a simple streusel using butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle it over the apples before baking for a crunchy, sweet topping.
3. Bourbon-Spiked Apple Cheesecake
   Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
4. Pumpkin Apple Cheesecake
   Mix ½ cup of pumpkin puree into the cream cheese layer with ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This adds a fall twist and complements the cinnamon-spiced apples.
5. Maple Pecan Apple Cheesecake
   Toss chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and sprinkle on top of the apple layer before baking. The nuts add crunch, and maple adds a rich, cozy flavor.
6. Caramel Apple Crunch Bars
   Instead of a whole pie, press the crust into a square baking pan and bake as bars. Layer cream cheese and apples as usual and drizzle with caramel. Cut into squares for easy serving.
7. Apple Cranberry Cheesecake
   Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple mixture for a tart contrast that brightens the dessert.
8. Ginger-Spiced Apple Cheesecake
   Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger to the apple mixture for a warm, slightly spicy kick that pairs well with cinnamon.
9. Chocolate-Apple Cheesecake
   Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache on the bottom crust before adding the cream cheese layer. This adds a decadent chocolate element to the dessert.
10. Mini Apple Pie Cheesecake Cups
    Use muffin tins lined with pie crust to make individual servings. Layer cream cheese and apple mixture, then top with a small piece of crust or streusel. Perfect for parties and gatherings.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
   Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can this dessert be made ahead?
   Absolutely. It’s best after chilling overnight.
3. What apples work best?
   Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and flour substitute.
5. How do I prevent the crust from burning?
   Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
6. Can I use light cream cheese?
   Yes, though it may be slightly less rich.
7. Can I skip caramel sauce?
   Yes, it’s optional but adds extra flavor.
8. How thick should the apple slices be?
   About ⅛ inch thick to bake evenly.
9. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
   Yes, freeze before adding caramel sauce for best results.
10. How do I serve it?
    Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled, optionally with caramel sauce or whipped cream.

Apple Pie Cheesecake is a delicious fusion of two classic desserts that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheesecake layer, tender spiced apples, and buttery crust, it’s a dessert that will impress friends and family alike. Make it ahead of time for parties or holidays, and enjoy a slice of this indulgent treat whenever you like.

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