Vermont Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Fall Delight

Photo byIsabella Green

Vermont’s Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Fall Favorite!

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of home-baked desserts. In Vermont, where autumn is at its finest, the blend of apples and spices creates an irresistible combination. The Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a perfect representation of the state’s love for all things apple. This dessert brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting crunch of a traditional apple crisp. It’s the best of both worlds, and each bite takes you straight into the heart of Vermont’s cozy fall atmosphere.

A Taste of Vermont in Every Slice

Vermont is known for its picturesque apple orchards, and this cheesecake captures that essence. Imagine biting into a thick, velvety layer of cream cheese mixed with the warmth of spiced apples, all topped with a buttery, oat-filled crisp. Whether you’re enjoying this dessert by a roaring fire or at a family gathering, it’s sure to evoke the charm of Vermont’s rustic landscapes.

Recipe: Vermont-Inspired Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the apple filling:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use Vermont-grown apples if possible)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the cheesecake:

• 3 packages (24 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

For the crisp topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

Prepare the crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

Make the apple filling:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until apples are just softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Make the cheesecake filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until blended.
3. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust. Layer with half of the apple filling. Repeat layers.

Add the crisp topping:

1. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle over the top of the cheesecake.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly.
2. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Vermont’s Apple-Licious Delight

This Apple Crisp Cheesecake combines the best of two worlds: the creaminess of classic cheesecake and the comforting warmth of an apple crisp. The layers of soft, spiced apples in between rich cheesecake, topped with a crunchy oat crumble, create a harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special dessert after dinner or sharing it with friends at a potluck, it’s a perfect homage to Vermont’s beloved apple harvest season.

The balance of tart and sweet from the apples, paired with the buttery graham crust and crisp topping, makes each bite a celebration of autumn. Vermont’s fall flavors never tasted so good!

For the Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe, a blend of creamy cheesecake and a crunchy apple crisp topping makes for the perfect fall dessert. Here's a general guide based on a variety of sources:

Start by preparing the crust using graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. This base layer provides the classic cheesecake foundation​(Just So Tasty)​(Bake. Eat. Repeat.).

For the cheesecake layer, you'll need softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Beat these together until smooth and creamy. A key tip is to ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, which helps avoid lumps in the batter​(Cooking For My Soul)​(Quick and Easy Baking).

The apple filling consists of peeled, thinly sliced apples mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar. You can use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor​(Bake. Eat. Repeat.).

Next, prepare the crisp topping by combining oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. This topping adds that beloved "crisp" texture​(Quick and Easy Baking)​(A Full Living).

Once all the layers are ready, bake the cheesecake, ideally in a water bath to prevent cracking​(Bake. Eat. Repeat.)​(Cooking For My Soul). After cooling, refrigerate for several hours before serving.

For more detailed instructions and variations, you can visit sources like Just So Tasty​(Just So Tasty) or Cooking for My Soul​(Cooking For My Soul).