Autumn Cheesecake is the epitome of fall desserts, offering a blend of smooth, creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced caramelized apples, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce. With a graham cracker crust that provides the perfect base, this dessert is a celebration of autumn’s best flavors, making it ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a special treat for yourself. The richness of the cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the spiced apples and the sweetness of the caramel, creating a dessert that is both decadent and comforting. Let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Autumn Cheesecake.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
To begin making this cheesecake, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the cheesecake will bake at the ideal temperature for the perfect texture. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cheesecake from sticking. Once greased, set the pan aside as you begin preparing the crust.
Make the Crust
The crust for this cheesecake is made with graham cracker crumbs, which give it a rich, slightly sweet base that complements the creamy filling perfectly. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and sugar. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Transfer this crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press it down evenly along the bottom to form a compact crust. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to help it set and firm up. Once baked, set the crust aside to cool while you work on the cheesecake filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
The cheesecake filling is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a smooth, creamy, and rich texture. To prepare the filling, start by placing 24 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Once smooth, add in 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step is important to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated, creating a smooth, consistent filling. Next, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ cup sour cream to the mixture. Beat everything together until fully combined. The sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Once the cheesecake filling is prepared, pour it carefully over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly across the surface. This will form the creamy base layer of your cheesecake, ready to be topped with the apple mixture.
Cook the Apple Topping
The apple topping is what truly gives this cheesecake its autumnal feel. It combines two large apples, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. The apples are cooked in a skillet until they become soft, caramelized, and infused with cinnamon.
Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the apples in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized. The sugar will melt into a syrup that coats the apples, creating a delicious topping for your cheesecake. Once done, set the apples aside to cool for a few minutes.
Arrange the cooked apples evenly over the cheesecake filling, pressing them gently into the surface. This topping will not only add flavor but also texture, giving the cheesecake an added dimension. The warm cinnamon apples will infuse the entire cheesecake with the comforting flavors of fall.
Bake the Cheesecake
Now that the cheesecake is assembled, it’s time to bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is just set and the edges are lightly golden. The cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan.
After baking, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly cracked open for about 1 hour. This gradual cooling process helps to prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Once cooled for an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the homemade caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using it to drizzle over the cheesecake. The warm, rich caramel sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to the dessert.
Serve
When the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Carefully slice the cheesecake into individual pieces, making sure to clean your knife between cuts for smooth slices. Just before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake for a glossy, indulgent finish.
For an extra touch, you can garnish the cheesecake with a few additional caramelized apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon. This adds not only flavor but a beautiful visual appeal, making the cheesecake look as impressive as it tastes. Serve each slice and enjoy the indulgence of a perfectly baked, fall-inspired dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth and creamy filling, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing them. This will help prevent lumps and create a smooth batter.
- Cinnamon Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well when cooked and add the perfect balance of sweet and tart to the dish.
- Preventing Cracks: To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it slowly and let it cool gradually in the oven. Rapid changes in temperature can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Make-Ahead: Cheesecake tastes even better the next day after it has had time to set and the flavors have melded together. Making it the night before ensures it’s perfectly chilled and ready to serve.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sour Cream Substitute: You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier flavor or if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg or allspice to the apple topping for a different depth of flavor.
- Non-Dairy Option: To make this cheesecake dairy-free, use non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. You can also substitute the butter in the crust and caramel sauce with non-dairy versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, Autumn Cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it benefits from sitting overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together. Make it a day or two ahead for the best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake without the caramel topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, thaw the cheesecake overnight in the fridge. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top before serving.
How do I make clean slices?
For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it clean after each cut, and slice slowly to ensure the cheesecake stays intact.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 260mg
Conclusion
Autumn Cheesecake is a perfect dessert to enjoy throughout the fall season. Its creamy, velvety cheesecake base, topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a homemade caramel sauce, provides a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a special treat for yourself, this cheesecake will certainly be a showstopper. Its warm, comforting flavors embody everything we love about autumn and will have everyone coming back for seconds. This dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a celebration of the season in every bite!