If you ever find yourself torn between reaching for a classic New York-style cheesecake or a slice of cozy homemade apple pie, let me introduce you to your new obsession: Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. This show-stopping dessert layers together creamy, tangy cheesecake and luscious cinnamon-spiced apples, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust and finished with a buttery streusel topping. Every bite is the ultimate mashup of your autumn dreams come true—perfect for holidays, celebrations, or whenever you need a little extra sweetness in your life.

Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, with ingredients you probably already love. Each one plays an essential part in crafting the signature flavor, texture, and golden hue that makes Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake utterly irresistible.

Graham cracker crumbs: Create the classic, slightly crunchy base that perfectly contrasts the soft cheesecake filling.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and cheesecake layers without overpowering the apples.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness to both the crust and the apple pie components, tying everything together.
Cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake layer—it’s essential for that iconic creamy texture and tang.
Eggs: Bind the cheesecake together so it slices like a dream.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances both the cheesecake and apple filling.
Sour cream: Lends silkiness and the perfect amount of tart flavor to your cheesecake.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Choose apples that keep their shape for the most flavorful, tender filling.
Brown sugar: Caramelizes the apples and adds deep, molasses-like notes to the apple filling and streusel.
Ground cinnamon: Brings essential warmth and spice, evoking instant apple pie nostalgia.
Ground nutmeg: Lends a touch of earthy spice to the apple filling.
Cornstarch: Thickens your apple filling for a luscious, jammy consistency.
Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and keeps the flavors from getting too sweet.
All-purpose flour: Gives the streusel topping its signature crumbly texture.

How to Make Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Carefully wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil to keep the water bath out, and lightly grease the inside for easy cleanup later—this ensures your cheesecake comes out beautifully every time.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set it—just long enough to start smelling those toasty graham aromas—then let it cool while you make the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Apple Pie Filling

In a saucepan, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes—your kitchen will start to smell like an autumn orchard! Once the apples are tender and syrupy, set the filling aside to cool.

Step 4: Beat the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until totally smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Then, add the eggs one at a time, blending on low after each, and finally, mix in the vanilla and sour cream until just combined. This gentle mixing helps keep your cheesecake light and velvety.

Step 5: Assemble and Layer

Pour half of your cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, then gently spoon half of the apple filling on top. Layer with the remaining cheesecake mixture, and finish with the rest of the apple filling. Each bite will be full of flavor and texture from every luscious layer in the Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake!

Step 6: Mix the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mix looks like chunky, buttery sand. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the assembled cheesecake.

Step 7: Water Bath and Bake

Place your cheesecake pan into a large roasting pan and pour hot water in until it reaches halfway up the sides—this gentle steam bath keeps your cheesecake from cracking. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top looks lightly golden. Let it cool with the oven door cracked, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Garnishes

The Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake pairs beautifully with a mountain of freshly whipped cream or a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A scattering of thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can make your cake look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve each rich slice with crisp green apple slices for a bit of brightness, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full apple pie effect. A handful of roasted pecans or walnuts on the side adds crunch and an earthy undertone that balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving mini versions in jars or cut the cheesecake into bars for a grab-and-go treat at potlucks. For a festive touch, add edible flowers, spun sugar, or even a little gold leaf to make your Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake the star of any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—a perfect treat for breakfast, lunch, or midnight snacking!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake! Cut it into slices and wrap each one in plastic, then foil, before storing in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps up to 3 months and thaws overnight in the fridge or gently at room temperature.

Reheating

While cheesecake is usually served chilled, if you want that bakery-soft texture, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take off the chill while keeping the filling creamy—like a cozy hug for your taste buds.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade?

Yes, you can substitute canned apple pie filling if you’re short on time. Still, nothing compares to the fresh taste and tender bite of homemade apples in the Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. If using canned, adjust the sugar to taste.

Why do I need a water bath for this cheesecake?

The water bath is key for gently baking the cheesecake, preventing cracks, and ensuring an ultra-creamy center. It’s a simple trick, but it makes all the difference for the perfect finish!

How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?

The Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake absolutely needs time to chill—at least 6 hours or, even better, overnight. This helps it set for clean slices and allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version and use a gluten-free flour blend for the streusel. No one will notice the difference, and everyone will ask for seconds.

Which apples are best for the apple filling?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are favorites for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking. Mixing both varieties can give you a delicious balance of sweet and tart.

Final Thoughts

This is truly the dessert that has it all—crunch, creaminess, tart apples, and cozy spices. Take the leap and treat yourself by making the Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. You’ll wow your guests and definitely earn a spot as the go-to dessert maker in your circle!

Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Best Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake that combines the best of both worlds – apple pie and creamy cheesecake in one decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

For the apple pie filling:

3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the topping:

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan in foil and lightly grease the inside.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake. Set aside to cool.
Cook apple filling ingredients until tender. Cool.
Make cheesecake layer. Pour half batter into crust, add half apple filling, rest of batter, and top with remaining apple filling.
Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over cheesecake.
Bake in a water bath for 60–70 minutes. Cool in the oven, then refrigerate.

Notes

You can substitute canned apple pie filling to save time, but fresh apples give the best texture.
Serve with caramel sauce or whipped cream for a decadent finish.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American