Apple Cider Cheesecake: A Decadent Fall-Inspired Delight

The crisp, cool breeze of autumn ushers in the season of cozy flavors, and there’s no better way to celebrate the harvest than with an indulgent Apple Cider Cheesecake. Combining the best parts of an apple cider donut and a classic cheesecake, this dessert embodies the spirit of fall with its rich layers of flavors and textures. It boasts a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy apple cider-infused cheesecake filling, a swirl of apple cider cinnamon, and a cinnamon sugar topping that brings a perfect balance of sweet and spice.

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This dessert isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s an experience. As you cut into each slice, the smooth and velvety cheesecake reveals a sweet and tangy flavor, paired with the warmth of cinnamon and the comforting notes of apple cider. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, gathering with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, Apple Cider Cheesecake will undoubtedly become a fall favorite in your kitchen.

What Makes Apple Cider Cheesecake So Special?

Apple cider, with its sweet and tart undertones, is a natural fit for autumn desserts. The idea of transforming apple cider into a cheesecake is brilliant—combining the smooth creaminess of cheesecake with the cozy, spiced flavors of the season. The graham cracker crust offers a buttery crunch, while the apple cider filling is creamy and rich, with subtle notes of apple that pair perfectly with cinnamon. Each bite of this cheesecake envelops the senses with warmth and sweetness, evoking the feeling of a cool autumn day spent sipping apple cider by the fire. What sets this cheesecake apart is the carefully balanced combination of textures. The graham cracker crust is crunchy and firm, providing a solid base for the creamy cheesecake filling. The apple cider filling itself is smooth and velvety, with the added depth of flavor from the apple cider reduction. The apple cider cinnamon swirl adds a deliciously spiced note, while the cinnamon sugar topping offers a crisp, sweet finish.

A Breakdown of the Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

Now that you know what makes this cheesecake so irresistible, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and the step-by-step process that brings this fall-inspired dessert to life.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base of the cheesecake. A fine grind ensures that the crust holds together well and doesn’t crumble.
• ⅛ cup Brown sugar: Adds a bit of molasses-like sweetness, enhancing the graham crackers’ flavor.
• 10 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted): The melted butter binds the crumbs together and adds a rich, smooth texture to the crust.

For the Apple Cider Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups Apple cider: This will be reduced to ½ cup, intensifying its flavor and giving the cheesecake a deliciously fruity note.
• 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy base of the cheesecake, which provides a smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
• ¾ cup White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tartness of the apple cider.
• ½ cup Sour cream (room temperature): Adds a tangy flavor and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake with its subtle sweetness.
• 4 Large eggs (room temperature): These provide structure to the cheesecake and give it that rich, custard-like texture.

For the Apple Cider Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the cinnamon swirl.
• ⅓ cup All-purpose flour: Thickens the swirl, giving it a more substantial texture.
• ¼ teaspoon Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that pairs so well with apple cider.
• 1 tablespoon Melted butter: Helps to bind the swirl together and gives it a smooth consistency.
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider: Enhances the apple flavor in the swirl.

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (melted): Used to brush the cheesecake before adding the cinnamon sugar topping.
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider: Adds a little moisture to the topping and intensifies the apple flavor.
• ½ cup White granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping and adds texture.
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon: A classic fall spice that completes the topping and ties the whole cheesecake together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Start by reducing the apple cider. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of apple cider to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook it for about 10–15 minutes, or until it reduces to approximately ½ cup. This step concentrates the flavor of the cider and makes it more impactful when added to the cheesecake. Set the reduced cider aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with baking nonstick spray and line the bottom with a 9-inch parchment paper circle for easy removal later. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust evenly across the bottom of the pan. Press the crumbs about halfway up the sides of the pan for a bit of added texture. Bake the crust for 12 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Cider Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and apple cider. Mix until smooth. Place the mixture in the fridge for about 15 minutes to help it firm up. This will make it easier to swirl into the cheesecake batter later.

Step 4: Make the Apple Cider Cheesecake Filling
In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed. Add the cooled apple cider reduction, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the mixer, and mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this could result in cracks during baking. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well-mixed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
Now it’s time to assemble the cheesecake. Carefully pour the cheesecake batter onto the cooled graham cracker crust. Retrieve the apple cider cinnamon swirl from the fridge and drop spoonfuls of the mixture on top of the cheesecake batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect. Next, prepare a water bath to bake the cheesecake. This ensures that the cheesecake bakes evenly and prevents cracks from forming. You can do this by placing the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Alternatively, wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan tightly in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 70–80 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool for about 30 minutes inside the oven. This gradual cooling helps to prevent cracks.

Step 6: Chill the Cheesecake
After the cheesecake has cooled for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the springform pan with foil and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the cheesecake chills, make the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and apple cider. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. When ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and peel away the parchment paper. Brush the top of the cheesecake with the melted butter and apple cider mixture, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the cheesecake. The topping should be heavily coated to give it that perfect fall-inspired crunch.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your dairy ingredients—cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs—are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth batter and helps prevent lumps.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes.
• Reduce the Apple Cider: The apple cider reduction is the key to concentrating the flavor. Don’t rush this step—it’s essential for the depth of flavor in the final cheesecake.
• Swirl with Care: Be gentle when swirling the cinnamon filling into the cheesecake batter. The goal is to create a beautiful marbled effect, not to overmix the two layers.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Crust: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure that all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of salted caramel on top of the cheesecake for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.
• Apple Compote: Top the cheesecake with a homemade apple compote or fresh apple slices for a more robust apple flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fall’s finest flavors. From the buttery crust to the apple cider-infused cheesecake filling and the swirl of cinnamon, this dessert is a true indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cheesecake will bring the warmth and comfort of autumn right to your table. The combination of textures and flavors, from the crunchy graham cracker crust to the creamy filling, is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients and make this Apple Cider Cheesecake your next fall-inspired treat!