Apple Cider Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cheesecake brings together the classic richness of cream cheese with the bright, spiced flavor of apple cider. The reduction intensifies the apple notes without overpowering the dessert. It’s a perfect holiday showstopper or a cozy weekend bake that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. The apple topping gives it an elegant finish without much effort.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter (melted)

Cheesecake filling:

• Cream cheese

• Granulated sugar

• Reduced apple cider (see note below)

• Eggs

• Sour cream

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Ground cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Salt

Apple topping (optional but recommended):

• Apples (peeled and diced)

• Brown sugar

• Butter

• Ground cinnamon

• Apple cider (just a splash)

Note: To reduce apple cider, I simmer 2 cups of apple cider in a saucepan until it reduces to about ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor for the cheesecake filling.

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. I mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, press the mixture into the pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Then I let it cool.

3. For the filling, I beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and reduced apple cider and mix until creamy.

4. I blend in the sour cream, vanilla, flour, spices, and salt. Then I add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.

5. I pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.

6. I bake the cheesecake in a water bath for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.

7. I let it cool in the oven with the door cracked for an hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.

8. For the topping, I sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of cider until tender and caramelized. I spoon it over the cheesecake just before serving.

Servings and timing

This cheesecake serves 12–14 slices. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, 55–65 minutes to bake, and needs at least 6 hours to chill before serving.

Variations

• I sometimes swirl in a spoonful of apple butter before baking for even more flavor.

• A gingersnap crust gives it a spicy twist instead of graham crackers.

• I’ve used maple syrup instead of sugar in the apple topping for a richer finish.

• For extra texture, I top it with chopped pecans or a streusel crumble.

storage/reheating

I store the cheesecake (without the apple topping) in the fridge for up to 5 days. I keep the topping separate and add it when serving. It also freezes well—just slice, wrap, and store for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight. I don’t reheat it, but I let it come to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

You can, but I prefer real apple cider for the most intense and natural apple flavor. Apple juice will be milder and sweeter.

Why reduce the cider?

Reducing concentrates the apple flavor without adding too much liquid to the filling, which helps keep the cheesecake creamy and rich.

Can I skip the water bath?

I’ve baked this without a water bath, and it still works, but using one helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture smooth.

What apples are best for the topping?

I like using tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead?

Absolutely. I often make it a day or two in advance—it holds up beautifully and the flavor improves as it rests.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining smooth, spiced cheesecake with a deep apple flavor that’s both cozy and refreshing. I love how it captures the essence of apple cider in a luxurious, sliceable treat. Whether for a holiday table or just because I’m craving something seasonal, it’s a dessert that always gets compliments.