Sweet Apple Crisp Cheesecake Squares

Fall in Texas is a funny thing. One day it’s 90 degrees, the next, you’re reaching for a sweater. But one thing that always signals the start of the season for me is the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. I’ve made these sweet apple crisp cheesecake squares more times than I can count, and they’re always a hit with my family. They’re the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and warm, comforting apple crisp, all in one easy-to-eat square. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the busiest mama can pull off. Promise!

Why This Recipe Works

These apple crisp cheesecake squares are a game-changer for busy families because they offer the best of both worlds – a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Here’s why I love them:

• Kid-Approved: My kiddos adore anything with apples and cinnamon, and the creamy cheesecake layer is an irresistible bonus.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These squares can be made a day or two in advance, making them perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
• Easy to Transport: Cut them into squares, and they’re ready to go! No fussy plating required.

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
• For the Apple Crisp Topping:
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Ingredient Notes

A few notes on the ingredients to ensure success:

• Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling. I usually leave mine out on the counter for at least an hour.
• Apples: I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. But feel free to use your favorite baking apple.
• Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for the best texture in the crisp topping.
• Spices: Freshly ground spices make a big difference in flavor. If your cinnamon and nutmeg have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of sweet apple crisp cheesecake squares:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper is key – makes clean up a breeze!
2. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This pre-baking helps the crust stay crisp and prevents it from getting soggy.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Just make sure there are no lumps.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack.
5. Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
6. Prepare the Apple Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, flour, brown sugar, oats, cold cubed butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the apple crisp topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. Don’t be shy! The more topping, the better.
8. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden brown. The center should have a slight jiggle, but it shouldn’t be liquid.
9. Cool Completely: Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting into squares. This chilling time is essential for the cheesecake to set properly.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned from making these apple crisp cheesecake squares countless times:

• Prevent Cracking: To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, bake it in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water.
• Soft Butter is Key: For the apple crisp, cold butter is important for creating that crumbly texture. I like to cube the butter and then put it in the freezer for 10 minutes before using it.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly cheesecake. It’s better to underbake it slightly, as it will continue to set as it cools.
• Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ginger or cloves would also be delicious in the apple crisp topping.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: For picky eaters, you can leave out the nutmeg in the apple crisp topping.
• Make-Ahead Shortcut: To save time, you can buy pre-made graham cracker crusts. Just make sure to get the 9×13 inch size.
• Presentation Matters: Dust the squares with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage & Meal Prep

These squares are great for making ahead! Here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Store leftover apple crisp cheesecake squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: While best served cold, you can warm them up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer.
• Make-Ahead: The entire cheesecake can be made 1-2 days in advance. The flavors actually meld together even better over time!

Substitutions & Variations

Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and gluten-free all-purpose flour in the apple crisp topping.
• Dairy-Free: I haven’t personally tested a dairy-free version, but you could try using dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be different.
• Apple Variety: Use different types of apples for the topping, such as Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn.
• Berry Crisp: Replace the apples with mixed berries for a delicious berry crisp cheesecake.
• Pecan Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple crisp topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. The cheesecake needs at least 4 hours to chill, but it’s even better if you make it the day before. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It shouldn’t be liquid. Remember, it will continue to set as it cools.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness, but you can use any baking apple you like. Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn would also be delicious.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftover apple crisp cheesecake squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re also freezer-friendly!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! My kids love it. You can adjust the spices to their liking. For picky eaters, you might want to leave out the nutmeg.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, you can use a different crust. A shortbread crust or a gingersnap crust would also be delicious. You can even buy a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cheesecakes can crack if they are overbaked or if there is a sudden temperature change. To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath and let it cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar.

Serving Suggestions (Optional)

These sweet apple crisp cheesecake squares are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or warm maple syrup.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans.
• Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
• Cut into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat.

Well, there you have it, y’all! These Sweet Apple Crisp Cheesecake Squares are a little slice of Texas comfort, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The creamy cheesecake combined with the warm apple crisp topping is truly a match made in dessert heaven. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our other family-favorite recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com, and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest deliciousness. Happy baking!

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