Craving the flavors of fall in a decadent dessert? You’ve come to the right place! This apple cider cheesecake is the harmonious blend of creamy, tangy cheesecake and the warm, comforting spice of apple cider. It’s the perfect showstopper for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or simply a cool autumn evening.
This recipe creates a smooth, rich cheesecake that’s infused with the essence of apple cider, making it a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to indulge in a slice of autumn paradise!
What is Apple Cider Cheesecake?
Apple Cider Cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, infusing the creamy, tangy flavors of cheesecake with the warm, sweet, and subtly spiced notes of apple cider. Typically, reduced apple cider is incorporated into both the cheesecake filling and sometimes even the crust, creating a layered apple flavor.
The result is a rich, decadent treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert, ideal for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress with a flavorful and seasonal dessert. The combination of the creamy cheesecake base with the comforting apple cider notes delivers a truly unforgettable taste experience. Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure and bake up this slice of fall heaven?
Key Ingredients for Apple Cider Cheesecake:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) graham cracker crumbs: These create the sturdy foundation for your cheesecake.
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumbs together and adds richness.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
For the Apple Cider Reduction:
- 4 cups apple cider: This will be reduced to intensify the apple flavor. Make sure to use real apple cider, not apple juice.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened: Crucial for the creamy texture, make sure it’s fully softened for a lump-free batter.
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
- ¾ cup (170g) sour cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cheesecake.
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevents cracking.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 large egg yolks: Adds extra richness and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the cheesecake.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warming spice that complements the apple cider.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds another layer of warmth and spice.
- ½ cup apple cider reduction: The star ingredient that infuses the apple flavor.
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel sauce: For drizzling on top.
- Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy topping.
- Apple slices: Freshly sliced apples for garnish.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds visual appeal and flavor.
How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake:
This Apple Cider Cheesecake might seem impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. The key is the apple cider reduction, which infuses every bite with that quintessential fall flavor. Beyond that, it’s a simple matter of creating a graham cracker crust, blending the cheesecake filling, and baking low and slow to prevent cracks.
The delicious result is a creamy, rich, and satisfying dessert that embodies the essence of autumn. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and about an hour and fifteen minutes cooking time, but trust me, the results make it worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Make the Apple Cider Reduction: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the cider has reduced to ½ cup, approximately 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
Add Sour Cream and Flour: Beat in the sour cream and flour until just combined.
Add Eggs and Egg Yolks: Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Flavor Extracts: Beat in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Incorporate Apple Cider Reduction: Gently fold in the cooled apple cider reduction until evenly distributed.
Pour and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
Water Bath (Recommended): Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps prevent cracking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly wobbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
Cooling Process: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
Refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Serve: Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Garnish with caramel sauce, whipped cream, apple slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cheesecake:
This Apple Cider Cheesecake is guaranteed to become your go-to fall dessert. First and foremost, the fusion of creamy cheesecake with the warm, cozy flavor of apple cider is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect treat to satisfy your seasonal cravings. Secondly, making it at home is significantly cheaper than buying a premade version from a bakery. You control the quality of ingredients and can customize it to your liking.
Lastly, the decadent toppings, like caramel drizzle and fresh apple slices, elevate this cheesecake to another level. If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, you might also enjoy our Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for another taste of autumn! What are you waiting for? Make your autumn sweeter with this delightful Apple Cider Cheesecake.
What to Serve Apple Cider Cheesecake With:
This Apple Cider Cheesecake pairs perfectly with a variety of complements that enhance its fall flavors. For a warm beverage try a cup of hot spiced cider or a creamy latte, these drinks bring out the apple and spice notes of the cheesecake.
A dollop of freshly made whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream offer a cool and creamy contrast. To complete your dessert plate add a scattering of candied pecans or walnuts to pair beautifully with the cheesecake.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cider Cheesecake:
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack. Mix until just combined.
- Water Bath is Your Friend: The water bath helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Don’t skip it!
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven and then in the refrigerator to prevent cracking.
- Substitute Suggestions: If you don’t have graham crackers, use digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies for the crust. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or a nut-based crust. If you don’t have sour cream, substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Timing Adjustments: Reduce bake time by 5 mins for high altitude locations.,
5 Facts about Apple Cider Cheesecake:
- Seasonal Delight: This cheesecake is most popular during the fall season when apple cider is readily available.
- American Classic Twist: It’s a modern variation on a traditional American dessert, the cheesecake.
- Celebratory Dessert: Often served during Thanksgiving and other fall celebrations.
- Versatile Flavor: The apple cider flavor can be adjusted to be more or less intense based on personal preference.
- Gourmet Appeal: Commonly found in upscale bakeries and cafes due to its sophisticated flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover apple cider cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the whole cheesecake or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Cheesecake can be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, you can microwave a slice for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can become watery.
Final Thoughts:
This Apple Cider Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that brings the best of fall flavors to your table. With its creamy texture, spiced apple cider infusion, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. So, go ahead and embrace the season with this easy-to-make and utterly delicious recipe!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Apple Cider Cheesecake FAQs :
Q: Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath?
A: While a water bath is highly recommended for preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth texture, you can bake it without. However, the cheesecake may be more prone to cracking.
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
A: While you can, apple cider has a richer, more complex flavor than apple juice. The apple cider will also have lots of sediment so will give more apple flavour. The finished product will be less flavorful if you use apple juice.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it will affect the texture and sweetness of the cheesecake. Start by reducing it by ¼ cup and adjust to your preference.
Q: What if my cheesecake cracks while baking?
A: Don’t worry! Cracks happen. You can cover the cracks with toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s better to make it a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly.
Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time.
Bring a taste of autumn to your kitchen with this incredible Apple Cider Cheesecake!