Maine's Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Taste of Autumn's Delight

Photo bydalle 3

As the leaves change color and the crisp air of autumn sweeps through Maine, there's nothing quite like indulging in a dessert that embodies the season's warmth and comfort. One such treat that captures the essence of fall in New England is the Apple Crisp Cheesecake. This dessert is a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced apple crisp, bringing together two beloved classics into one irresistible dish.

The Taste of Maine in Every Bite

Maine is famous for its vibrant apple orchards, especially in the fall when families head out to pick their favorite varieties. From the sweet McIntosh to the tart Cortland, the apples are a staple in many traditional dishes. The Apple Crisp Cheesecake takes these cherished local flavors and combines them with a rich, creamy cheesecake base, topped with a buttery oat crumble that adds a satisfying crunch. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy – all with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that evokes the cozy feelings of a Maine autumn.

Recipe: Maine-Style Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 ½ cups
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
• Unsalted Butter, melted: ½ cup
• Cream Cheese, softened: 3 packages (8 oz each)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
• Large Eggs: 3
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Sour Cream: 1 cup
• Apples, peeled and chopped: 3 cups (about 3 medium apples)
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup
• Old-Fashioned Oats: ½ cup
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed: ¼ cup

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated with butter, then press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined and creamy. Pour this mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Apple Layer: In another bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer in an even layer.
5. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the crumble topping is golden brown. To prevent cracking, once done, turn off the oven and slightly open the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for about an hour.
7. Chill and Serve: After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This ensures the flavors meld together and the cheesecake sets properly. Serve cold and enjoy a slice of Maine’s autumn in every bite!

A Taste of Maine Anytime

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. The creamy cheesecake, paired with the spiced apples and crunchy oat topping, brings a taste of Maine’s fall to your kitchen, no matter the season. Whether you're a Mainer at heart or just love the flavors of autumn, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your home.

If you're looking to make a delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake, there are a few great recipes you can try that blend the creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, spiced flavor of apple crisp. For a classic take, you might enjoy the Apple Crisp Cheesecake from Allrecipes, which combines a graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with sliced apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping. This recipe is perfect for bringing the flavors of fall into your kitchen and is well-loved for its balance of flavors and textures. You can check out the full recipe here​(Allrecipes).

Another variation to consider is the Delicious Apple Streusel Cheesecake, which features a streusel topping that adds an extra layer of crunch. This version also incorporates a rich blend of cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla, paired with cinnamon-coated apples, making it an ideal dessert for fall gatherings. More details on this recipe can be found here​(Allrecipes).

For a twist, the Fresh Caramel Apple Cheesecake incorporates caramel for an added layer of sweetness and richness. This recipe uses a mix of apples, caramel, and a creamy cheesecake filling to create a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. You can view the full recipe here​(Allrecipes).

These recipes are perfect for fall or any time you're craving a cozy, sweet treat. Enjoy baking!