Decadent Cosmic Crisp Apple Spice Cheesecake: Your Ultimate Fall Baking Guide
I’m thrilled to share this incredible Apple Spice Cheesecake recipe, made even more special thanks to the exceptional qualities of Cosmic Crisp Apples®. This post is sponsored by Cosmic Crisp Apples®, and as always, all opinions, culinary insights, and delicious ideas are 100% my own. Get ready to bake a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone!
This Apple Spice Cheesecake is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a creamy, yet delightfully fluffy cheesecake base infused with classic autumn spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Topping it all is a luscious spiced apple compote, crafted using the superior Washington State Cosmic Crisp Apples. Their natural sweetness and firm texture elevate the compote, making it the perfect crowning jewel for this rich and satisfying dessert.
Discovering Cosmic Crisp Apples: The Perfect Baking Companion
Cosmic Crisp Apples are not just any apples; they are a premium variety cultivated in the pristine orchards of Washington state. Renowned for their extraordinary qualities, these apples are an absolute dream for bakers and home cooks alike. From their first bite, you’ll notice their mouth-wateringly crisp texture, which remains consistently firm even after cooking, unlike other apple varieties that might turn mushy.
What truly sets Cosmic Crisp Apples apart is their remarkable sweetness, balanced with a subtle tartness, creating a complex flavor profile that shines through in any dish. Furthermore, they are notably slow to brown when cut, making them not only visually appealing but also incredibly practical for recipes that require some prep time. This characteristic, combined with their ability to hold their shape beautifully, makes them the ideal choice for everything from pies and crumbles to salads and, of course, our spiced apple compote. They are non-GMO, resulting from a classic hybridization between the ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Honeycrisp’ apples – a parentage that gifts them their superior texture, vibrant color, and exquisite flavor. For more fascinating details on Cosmic Crisp Apples, you can visit their official site here!
Crafting the Exquisite Apple Compote Topping with Cosmic Crisp Apples
Creating the Cosmic Crisp Apple Compote is surprisingly simple, yielding a topping that tastes gourmet. The natural robustness of Cosmic Crisp apples ensures they soften beautifully without disintegrating, providing a delightful textural contrast to the smooth cheesecake. To start, simply combine all the compote ingredients – your peeled and diced Cosmic Crisp apples, brown sugar, butter, lemon juice, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves – into a frying pan. Cook this aromatic mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples reach your desired tenderness. This process typically takes about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to become perfectly soft.
Once cooked, remove the compote from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. It’s crucial to allow the apple compote to cool completely before spooning it over the cheesecake. You can let it come to room temperature on the counter or, for an extra chilled and refreshing topping, pop it into the fridge. The cooling process also allows the spices to fully bloom, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
The Non-Negotiable Rule: Why Softened Cream Cheese is Essential for a Flawless Cheesecake
When it comes to baking a truly exceptional Apple Spice Cheesecake, the condition of your cream cheese is paramount. It is absolutely crucial that the cream cheese is *exceptionally* well softened. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a fundamental step that directly impacts the final texture and appearance of your cheesecake. What exactly does “softened” cream cheese mean? It means the cream cheese should be at true room temperature, yielding easily to the touch, and completely pliable throughout the block – not just on the outside.
Resist the urge to use cream cheese straight from the refrigerator! Cold cream cheese is stiff and will not incorporate smoothly with the other ingredients. When mixed, cold cream cheese tends to form stubborn lumps, which are nearly impossible to eliminate, even with extended beating. These unmixed chunks will result in a grainy, uneven cheesecake texture, a far cry from the velvety smooth consistency we’re aiming for. To achieve the perfect softness, I highly recommend pulling your cream cheese out of the fridge several hours in advance, allowing it to sit on the kitchen counter until it reaches a uniformly soft, spreadable consistency.
If you find yourself short on time and have forgotten to plan ahead, there’s a quick hack: cut the blocks of cream cheese into smaller cubes. Place these cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave them in very short bursts, typically 15-30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval. The key is to warm the cream cheese just enough until it becomes very soft and creamy, but critically, it should *not* be hot. Overheating can alter its structure, leading to a runny cheesecake batter. By ensuring your cream cheese is perfectly softened, you guarantee an easier mixing process, a uniform and lump-free batter, and ultimately, a wonderfully smooth, rich, and creamy Apple Spice Cheesecake that melts in your mouth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Perfect Apple Spice Cheesecake
Creating this magnificent Apple Spice Cheesecake involves a few distinct stages, each crucial for the perfect outcome. Follow these steps for a dessert that’s truly a labor of love:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Begin by combining the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly mixed. Next, pour in the melted butter. Using your hands or a fork, toss the mixture until all the crumbs are evenly coated and the consistency resembles wet sand. This ensures a firm, flavorful base.
2. Bake and Cool the Crust: Lightly grease a 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan with baking spray. Transfer the moistened graham cracker mixture into the pan. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. For a truly compact crust that won’t crumble, use the flat bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to press down firmly. Bake the crust in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before adding the cheesecake filling. This prevents a soggy crust.
3. Beat the Cream Cheese to Perfection: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, add your well-softened cream cheese. Beat on low speed for approximately 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese is incredibly creamy, smooth, and free of any lumps. Avoid over-beating, especially at high speeds, as incorporating too much air can lead to cracks in your finished cheesecake.
4. Incorporate Sugar, Spices, Salt, and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar, a generous amount of vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and kosher salt to the beaten cream cheese. Continue to beat on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, and the mixture is smooth and velvety. This step infuses the cheesecake with its signature apple spice flavor profile.
5. Add Eggs Gradually: This is a critical step for preventing cracks. Add the large eggs and egg yolks *one at a time*. After each egg addition, beat on low speed just until it is fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the next one. This ensures even mixing and emulsification, preventing streaks of egg and contributing to the cheesecake’s smooth, dense texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Stir in Cream, Sour Cream, and Cornstarch: Once all the eggs have been incorporated, gently fold in the heavy cream and sour cream. Beat on low speed again until the entire filling looks wonderfully smooth, well-combined, and uniform. Finally, sprinkle in the cornstarch. Beat on low speed one last time, just until the cornstarch is completely combined and no dry pockets remain. Cornstarch acts as a stabilizer, further preventing cracks and ensuring a beautiful, creamy set.
7. Prepare for Baking with a Water Bath: Take two large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil and carefully wrap them around the base and up the sides of your springform pan. This creates a watertight barrier for the crucial water bath. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the prepared springform pan. Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan, ensuring the water comes about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. This water bath creates a humid environment, allowing the cheesecake to bake gently and evenly, preventing drying out and cracking. Place the entire roasting pan with the cheesecake into your preheated oven to bake.
8. Cool the Cheesecake Slowly and Patiently: Once the Apple Spice Cheesecake has finished baking (the edges should be set but the center will still have a slight jiggle), turn off the oven. Prop the oven door open slightly and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly inside the oven for approximately one to one and a half hours. This gradual cooling prevents drastic temperature changes that can lead to surface cracks. After this initial cooling, remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath. Place it on a wire rack on your counter to cool completely to room temperature. Finally, cover the cooled cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill and set overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. Patience here is key for the perfect slice!
9. Serve with Apple Compote: When your Apple Spice Cheesecake is fully cooled and set in the fridge, it’s time for the grand finale. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Generously spoon the chilled Cosmic Crisp apple compote over the top. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of autumn in every decadent bite!
Get the Recipe:
Apple Spice Cheesecake
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Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 ¾ cups (230g) Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) White Sugar
- 1/2 cup (114g) Unsalted Butter,, melted
Apple Spice Cheesecake
- 32 oz (1000g) Cream Cheese,, well softened (4 blocks of cream cheese is crucial for a smooth batter)
- 1 ½ cups (300g) White Sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 3 Large Eggs,, at room temperature for optimal mixing
- 2 Large Egg Yolks,, at room temperature for richness
- 3/4 cup (172g) Heavy Cream
- 3/4 cup (180g) Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
Apple Compote
- 4 Cosmic Crisp Apples,, peeled, cored, and diced into small, even pieces
- 1/4 cup (57g) Unsalted Butter,, melted or at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (110g) Brown Sugar,, packed
- 1 ½ tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. Pour the melted butter into the bowl, then mix with a fork or your hands until the butter is evenly dispersed, and the mixture takes on the consistency of wet sand. This ensures a cohesive and flavorful crust.
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Lightly grease a 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan with baking spray. Transfer the graham cracker mixture into the pan and press it down evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides. For a truly firm and even crust, use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press and compact the crumbs firmly. Place the prepared crust into the preheated oven to bake for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before proceeding with the filling.
Apple Spice Cheesecake
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Once your crust is cool, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Prepare the cooled springform pan (with the crust) for a water bath by securely wrapping the bottom and sides with two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent any water from seeping in. Set the pan aside.
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In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the well-softened cream cheese. Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes, or until the cream cheese is incredibly soft, creamy, and completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, add the white sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Continue beating on low speed for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture is very creamy and perfectly combined. While still beating on low, add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, allowing each egg to be fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next. This gentle incorporation is crucial to prevent over-mixing and cracks in your finished cheesecake. Remember to continually scrape down the bowl to ensure a uniform batter.
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After all the eggs are incorporated, gently fold in the heavy cream and sour cream. Beat on low speed until the cheesecake filling looks creamy, smooth, and perfectly uniform. Finally, sprinkle in the cornstarch. Beat on low one last time, just until the cornstarch is completely combined and integrated into the batter, ensuring no lumps remain. This step helps stabilize the cheesecake and contributes to its silky texture.
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Carefully pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the foil-wrapped springform pan. Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to reach approximately halfway up the outside of the springform pan. This water bath creates a moist baking environment, which is key to preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth, evenly cooked cheesecake. Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight, gentle jiggle when the pan is lightly moved.
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Once baked, turn off the oven but do not remove the cheesecake. Lightly crack the oven door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly and gradually within the cooling oven for about an hour to an hour and a half. This slow cooling process is vital for preventing temperature shock, which often causes cracks. After this period, remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath. Place it onto a wire rack on your counter to cool completely to room temperature. Once at room temperature, securely wrap the cheesecake with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. It needs to chill and set for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve its optimal firm yet creamy texture.
Apple Compote
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While your cheesecake is cooling or chilling, prepare the delicious apple compote. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add all the compote ingredients: diced Cosmic Crisp apples, butter, brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir everything together until the butter and sugar have melted and all ingredients are well combined and fragrant.
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Continue cooking the compote, stirring occasionally, until the Cosmic Crisp apples have softened to your liking, which usually takes about 10 minutes. They should be tender but still hold their shape beautifully, thanks to the inherent crispness of the Cosmic Crisp variety.
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Remove the compote from the heat and transfer it into a clean bowl. Allow it to cool completely to at least room temperature. For an even more refreshing experience, you can chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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At serving time, once the cheesecake is fully set and chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Spoon the cooled, spiced Cosmic Crisp apple compote generously over the top of the cheesecake. Slice and serve immediately, perhaps with an optional swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of extra cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Enjoy this delightful celebration of fall flavors!