Description
This delightful Apple Pecan Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker and pecan crust topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling. Thinly sliced Granny Smith apples tossed in cinnamon sugar and crunchy pecans crown the cheesecake, adding a perfect balance of tartness and texture. Baked in a water bath for a moist and tender finish, this dessert is perfect for fall or any occasion where a comforting, fruity cheesecake is desired.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Filling and Topping
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, peeled
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottoms of three 4-inch mini springform pans or into one 9-inch springform pan to form a 1/4-inch thick crust. Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is firm and lightly browned.
- Make the Filling: Using a mixer at medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1/2 cup sugar until creamy and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Fill the Crusts: Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crusts, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Apple Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar with ground cinnamon. Toss the thinly sliced apples in this cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Top Cheesecakes: Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated apples evenly over the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans on top of the apples.
- Set Up Water Bath: Wrap the bottom and halfway up the sides of each springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water leakage. Place the pans on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan with sides, then pour hot water into the pan until it reaches just below the top of the foil-wrapped pans, creating a water bath.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes for mini cheesecakes or 1 hour and 10 minutes for one large cheesecake. The cheesecake is done when it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecakes from the water bath and let them cool slightly before refrigerating. Chill at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow them to set completely before serving.
Notes
- Using a water bath ensures the cheesecake bakes evenly and prevents cracking.
- Peeling the apples helps achieve a smoother texture and prevents toughness.
- You can make this recipe in either three mini 4-inch pans or one 9-inch pan; adjust baking times accordingly.
- For best flavor, use Granny Smith apples as their tartness balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
- To prevent water seepage, securely wrap the springform pans with foil.
- Leftover crust mixture can be saved and used as a topping for other desserts or frozen for future use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American