If fall had a signature dessert, it would be this Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake (Creamy Bakery-Style). It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved classics: silky, New York-style cheesecake and the cozy, cinnamon-spiced apple crisp you crave as soon as the leaves start to turn. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy spiced cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon apples, a crunchy oat crumble, and a drizzle of golden caramel, this dessert delivers texture, flavor, and visual wow-factor all in one.

piece of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on plate iwth apples behind it and caramel sauce

In our house, anything apple crisp disappears fast — but when you layer it over cheesecake, it’s game over. My husband always “accidentally” slices a piece too big, my daughter loves nibbling the crumble off the top, and my son… well, let’s just say tiny fingers have been caught swiping apples before the cheesecake even makes it to the fridge. This is one of those bakes that doesn’t just impress — it becomes the thing people ask you to make every single year!

Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake sliced and placed on a plate with a fork to the side

What Is This?

My Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake is a layered dessert that takes a classic baked cheesecake and tops it with tender, spiced apples and a crunchy oat crumble, all finished with a generous caramel drizzle. The base is a graham cracker crust baked until golden, the filling is a rich blend of cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and cream, and the topping is a double layer of soft, cardamom-scented apples and buttery brown sugar crumble.

The result? A show-stopping holiday-worthy dessert with creamy, crunchy, and fruity layers in every bite.

overhead shot of a slice of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on a white plate

When to Serve

Holiday dessert tables – A gorgeous centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Dinner parties – Guests will think you bought it from a high-end bakery.
Birthday celebrations – Especially for cheesecake lovers who want something seasonal.
Fall potlucks – Travels well and stays impressive even after hours.
Just because – Because why wait for a reason?

Why You’ll Love It

Texture explosion – Silky cheesecake, tender apples, and crisp crumble.
Bakery-quality at home – Looks and tastes like it came from a patisserie.
Make-ahead friendly – Cheesecake is even better the next day.
Seasonal comfort – Perfect blend of cinnamon, apple, and caramel for fall and winter.

close up slice of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on a plate with caramel dripping down

Ingredient Breakdown

Crust

Graham cracker crumbs – Classic cheesecake base with a hint of sweetness.
Brown sugar – Adds caramel notes to complement the topping.
Cinnamon – Warms up the flavor from the first bite.
Butter – Holds it together and bakes into a crisp, flavorful base.

Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese – Full-fat for the creamiest, smoothest texture.
Granulated & brown sugar – The blend deepens sweetness and adds molasses richness.
Cinnamon – Infuses the cheesecake itself with cozy spice.
Flour – Helps stabilize the filling.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out and enhances every flavor.
Heavy cream – Adds richness and a softer mouthfeel.
Eggs – Bind the filling for that perfect slice.

Apple Layer

Granny Smith apples – Tart and firm, they hold their shape when baked.
Brown sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes the apples.
Cinnamon & cardamom – A slightly exotic spice twist that elevates the flavor.
Vanilla extract – Finishes the apples with warmth.

Crumble Topping

Flour & quick oats – Give that perfect apple crisp texture.
Brown sugar – Sweetens and creates a caramelized crunch.
Cinnamon – Echoes the apple spice for harmony.
Butter – Holds the crumble together and browns beautifully.

Caramel Drizzle

Use store-bought or homemade; thicker is better for presentation.

slice of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on plate drizzled with caramel

Perfect for Fall Baking, Holidays, and Entertaining

This Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake is made for sweater weather and holiday gatherings. The aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, and apples baking together is enough to make your whole home smell like a cozy bakery. It’s the kind of dessert you can proudly set down at a Thanksgiving table, bring to a Friendsgiving, or serve at a holiday party and watch the compliments roll in.

It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert for when you’re hosting. Bake it the day before, let it chill overnight, and all you have to do before serving is add that glossy caramel drizzle. For more casual gatherings, it’s equally at home sliced and served with mugs of hot cider or coffee, maybe even around an outdoor fire pit on a crisp autumn night.

Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on a cake plate with apples and milk behind it on table

Variations

Salted Caramel – Add flaky sea salt to the caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty finish.
Nut lovers – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the crumble before baking.
Apple blend – Use half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart combo.
Maple drizzle – Swap caramel for thick maple syrup for a cozy breakfast-style twist.

Lightened-Up Version

If you love the idea of this cheesecake but want something a little lighter, there are a few simple swaps that cut calories and richness without losing the flavor that makes it special. Use reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) for part or all of the filling — it blends just as smoothly but with less fat. Swap out half of the heavy cream for plain Greek yogurt to keep the creamy texture while adding a subtle tang. In the crust, replace two tablespoons of butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on saturated fat. For the topping, reduce the brown sugar in both the apple layer and crumble by one to two tablespoons each — the natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through. You can also drizzle with a lighter caramel sauce or skip the caramel entirely for a less indulgent finish. This version keeps all the fall-spiced charm while making it a little easier to justify that second slice.

slice of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on plate with a pie plate behind it on table, napkin and green apples

Troubleshooting

Cracks in cheesecake – Not a big deal here (apples and crumble hide them), but avoid overmixing and overbaking.
Soggy crust – Ensure the crust is pre-baked until golden before adding filling.
Runny apple topping – Cook apples until most liquid evaporates before adding to cheesecake.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration – Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving temperature – Best served chilled for clean slices.
Caramel timing – Drizzle just before serving to keep it glossy.

slice of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake with a bite missing

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Make-ahead – Bake and chill overnight; cheesecake slices best the next day.
Freezing – Skip caramel, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add caramel before serving.

Budget Breakdown (approximate)

Cream cheese (4 packs): $8.00
Butter: $2.00
Apples: $2.50
Pantry staples (sugars, spices, flour, oats, grahams): $4.00
Caramel sauce: $2.00
Total: ~~$18.50 for 12 servings (~~$1.54 per slice)

slice of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on plate with a fork to side of cheesecake

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold cream cheese – Always start room temp for a smooth filling.
Skipping the crust pre-bake – Leads to a soggy bottom.
Overmixing after adding eggs – Can cause cracks and tough texture.
Not chilling long enough – Cheesecake needs at least 6 hours to set properly.
Adding wet apples – Cook them down to prevent excess moisture on top.

close up of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake slice on plate with a blue towel behind it on table

FAQ

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady also work well. Just keep in mind they’re sweeter than Granny Smith, so you may want to reduce the added sugar slightly.

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
You can use a deep 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment, but it’s harder to remove cleanly. A springform pan gives the best presentation.

Do I have to use cardamom in the apple topping?
No, but it adds a unique warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully. You can swap it for nutmeg or leave it out entirely.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes. Just choose a thicker sauce so it sits nicely on top without soaking in too quickly.

Can I skip the crumble topping?
Technically yes, but then it’s more of an apple-topped cheesecake. The crumble is what gives it that “apple crisp” element.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set and the center slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools and chills.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to bake it in two pans — doubling in one pan will cause uneven baking.

How do I get clean slices?
Chill the cheesecake overnight and use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and a gluten-free all-purpose blend in the crumble.

Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake on a pie plate with some green apples to the side

Personal Kitchen Notes

The first time I made this cheesecake, it was for a family dinner, and I underestimated how much everyone would love it. My husband was eyeing a second slice before he’d finished the first, my daughter wanted just the crumble topping and my son kept pointing at the cheesecake and saying “more.” Now, it’s a non-negotiable on our holiday menu — right alongside pumpkin pie and dinner rolls.

Final Thoughts

My Bakery-Style Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that makes you look like you spent hours at a bakery, but you can make it entirely in your own kitchen. It’s rich yet balanced, comforting yet elegant, and guaranteed to be the star of any dessert table. Make it once, and it might just become your signature fall and holiday dessert.

Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake (Creamy Bakery-Style)

What Is This?

When to Serve

Why You’ll Love It