Name: Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 10 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 270g or 2 packed cups digestive cookies or graham crackers; 85g or 6 tablespoons butter, melted; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 720g or 3 cups fresh apple cider (honeycrisp cider preferred); Mulling spices; 3 full-fat cream cheese bricks (227g each), softened; 200g or 1 cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 240g or 1 cup sour cream; ⅓ cup reduced apple cider from above; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 15 reviews

If you’re searching for a dessert that captures all the magic of autumn in a single slice, Apple Cider Cheesecake is the showstopper you need. Imagine creamy, luscious cheesecake infused with tangy apple cider syrup and mulling spices, delivering a symphony of cozy flavors in every bite. Each forkful melts in your mouth with the essence of apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery cookie crust, making it an irresistible centerpiece for gatherings or a well-deserved personal treat!

Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Cheesecake comes together with a handful of humble ingredients, but each one plays a pivotal role in delivering big flavor, texture, and exceptional results. From crisp apple cider to rich cream cheese, every component brings something essential to the table!

Digestive cookies or graham crackers: These create a classic, crunchy base, anchoring the cheesecake with sweet buttery notes and a little texture.
Butter (melted): Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together for a firm yet tender crust.
Salt: Just a pinch helps balance sweetness and brings out the complexity in the filling.
Powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.
Fresh apple cider (Honeycrisp is great!): The star of the show, reduced down to a syrup for maximum tangy apple punch.
Mulling spices: These infuse the cider with a lovely warmth—think cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, or your favorite blend.
Full-fat cream cheese (softened): Provides classic, decadent creaminess; be sure it’s room temperature for smoothest results.
Brown sugar: Offers a gentle molasses depth that complements the apples and spices.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess, keeping the filling deliciously soft.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors perfectly; a small but mighty ingredient.
Cinnamon: Reinforces the autumn vibe and adds gentle warmth throughout.
Eggs: The essential binder, keeping your cheesecake lusciously set but not stiff.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to help the filling maintain structure without becoming dense.

How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Kick things off by pouring your fresh apple cider into a large pot, tossing in your favorite mulling spices, and boiling the mixture on high. Keep a close eye and let that glorious apple aroma fill your kitchen as the cider reduces for about an hour—you’re looking for a thick syrup that measures roughly 1/3 cup once cooled. This powerful reduction is where that signature apple zing comes from, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350 F. In your trusty food processor, pulse the digestive cookies or graham crackers until they resemble fine, sandy crumbs. Add melted butter, salt, and powdered sugar, pulsing again until everything’s evenly combined and the crumbs feel damp. Press this mixture into your prepared springform or cake pan, making sure to compact it well for a sturdy foundation. Bake the crust for 10 minutes—just long enough to set—then cool and chill while you tackle the filling.

Step 3: Make the Apple Cider Cheesecake Filling

Lower your oven to 325 F. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat your softened cream cheese and brown sugar until absolutely smooth and lump-free—take your time here, scraping down the bowl a few times. Next, add sour cream, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and, of course, the reduced cider syrup. Blend until you have a creamy, velvety mixture bursting with flavor. Finally, beat in the eggs and flour, mixing just until incorporated so your Apple Cider Cheesecake stays cloud-like and not too dense.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Now for the magic! Place your cheesecake pan in a larger 13×9” pan filled with hot water, creating a gentle water bath to keep your filling silky and prevent cracking. Pour the filling over your chilled crust, smoothing the top, and bake for about 90 minutes. The edges should look set but the center still have a bit of wobble left—this is key for a dreamy texture.

Step 5: Gentle Cooling for a Perfect Finish

Once baked to perfection, switch off the oven but leave your Apple Cider Cheesecake inside. Prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon for 30 minutes—the gradual temperature drop helps avoid splits on top. Then, close the oven door again and let it rest another 15 minutes. Bring the cheesecake to the counter to finish cooling, then slide it into the fridge to chill for at least 8 hours. This patience is absolutely rewarded with slices that cut clean and taste even better the next day!

How to Serve Apple Cider Cheesecake

Garnishes

This cheesecake shines with a scattering of fresh apple slices, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special finish. Try candied walnuts, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for gorgeous texture and color on your Apple Cider Cheesecake.

Side Dishes

Pair your slice with a hot cup of chai, mulled cider, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a beautiful fall spread, serve alongside roasted pears or a crisp autumn fruit salad—the tang and spice of the cheesecake will stand out even more!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Apple Cider Cheesecake into parfaits by layering cubes with whipped cream and spiced crumbles in clear glasses, or slice it into mini bars for bite-sized party treats. Set out whole cinnamon sticks, star anise or dried apple rings for a festive, rustic look that makes dessert feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Cider Cheesecake in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay luxuriously creamy and fresh for up to five days—if it lasts that long! Be sure to keep it chilled so the filling retains its silky texture.

Freezing

Great news for planners: this cheesecake freezes beautifully! Once completely chilled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake in cling film and foil, then tuck it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and enjoy that apple cider magic any time.

Reheating

While Apple Cider Cheesecake is honestly best enjoyed cold, if you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let a slice come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can affect the creamy consistency and melt your lovely crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh-pressed cider from local apples tastes incredible, store-bought unfiltered apple cider works beautifully. Just avoid using apple juice, which won’t have the same concentrated tartness or autumn flavor.

Why do I need to cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven?

Gradually cooling the cheesecake prevents abrupt temperature changes, which can cause the top to crack. It also helps the delicate filling set perfectly for slices that hold together beautifully but melt in your mouth.

What are mulling spices, and do I need them?

Mulling spices typically include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes star anise or orange peel. They infuse the cider with an amazing warmth and complexity, but if you don’t have a blend on hand, simply use what you have—it’ll still taste delicious!

Can I make Apple Cider Cheesecake gluten-free?

You sure can! Substitute the graham crackers or digestive cookies with a gluten-free alternative and use a gluten-free flour blend in the filling. The tangy, creamy richness of the cheesecake will shine just as brightly.

How far in advance can I make this cheesecake?

Apple Cider Cheesecake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to two days in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve. The flavors meld even more with time, making each bite richer and more delicious!

Final Thoughts

If autumn could be served on a plate, it would absolutely be a slice of Apple Cider Cheesecake! This recipe warms the heart as much as the taste buds, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy the tart, creamy, and spiced flavors in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and treat yourself to the cozy taste of fall—one dreamy forkful at a time.