Linda CainBefore diving into the delicious details of Cheesecake Factory’s apple crisp, let’s talk about what to enjoy with this dessert. Apple crisp has a wonderful warmth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.
Ice Cream is a classic choice. A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream melting over the warm crisp creates a delightful contrast.
Whipped Cream is another staple. A generous dollop enhances its creamy texture, adding richness.
If you prefer a fresher option, Greek Yogurt is a great alternative. The tartness balances the sweet notes of the crisp, making it a healthier choice.
For a bit of zest, consider Caramel Sauce. Drizzling it on top amplifies the flavor profile, making every bite scrumptious.
Lastly, Coffee or Tea can elevate the experience. The warmth of a cozy beverage pairs perfectly with the comforting flavors of apple crisp.
Now let’s explore the delightful journey of creating and enjoying Cheesecake Factory’s apple crisp.
Every bite of Cheesecake Factory’s apple crisp transports me back to warm family gatherings, where laughter and comfort food reign supreme. It’s a dessert that embraces both nostalgia and taste, making it a go-to favorite.
Nothing beats that first warm bite, where sweet, buttery apples intertwine with the crunch of oats under a cinnamon-hinted crumble. This dish walks a tightrope between the sweet and the savory, inviting everyone to take part in its delightful embrace.
Today, I’ll share my version of this beloved dish, along with personal tweaks and expert advice I’ve gathered over the years. Let’s dive into the warmth that apple crisp brings and discover how to create this treat right in your kitchen.
What is Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp?
Cheesecake Factory’s apple crisp is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It starts with a layer of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a buttery crumble. The topping consists of oats, flour, and brown sugar, creating a crunchy contrast to the softness of the apples beneath. This dessert often brings to mind memories of fall, with its fragrant spices and warm flavors.
What sets Cheesecake Factory’s version apart from other apple crisps lays in its balance. The sweetness of the apples hits just right, while the crumble provides a satisfying texture. It’s a dessert that feels both homey and indulgent, perfect for any occasion.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine breaking through the golden brown topping to reach the warm, cinnamon-kissed apples below. When you take that first bite, you experience warmth, sweetness, and a nutty crunch that sings in harmony.
The apples are often tart, balancing perfectly with a sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm. Meanwhile, the topping crumbles just the right way, creating a delightful textural contrast.
The inviting aroma fills the kitchen long before you take the first bite, draping you in cozy warmth. Each spoonful feels like a hug, reassuring yet exciting. With every morsel, you want to indulge just a little more. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a celebration—both for your taste buds and your spirit.
Why You’ll Love This
There are countless reasons to love this apple crisp.
- It’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something memorable.
- It’s versatile too! Enjoy it warm, cold, or as a base for other flavors like vanilla ice cream.
- The familiarity of apple crisp appeals to the sweet tooth in everyone, and it’s family-friendly, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
- It’s convenient. You can make it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
This dessert brings ease to your cooking routine while maintaining a touch of gourmet flair.
Ingredients
Creating a fantastic apple crisp starts with quality ingredients.
For the Cheesecake:
- 3 packages (24oz, 750g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a tangier option)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
For the Apples:
- 3 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 3 medium apples, use a mix of tart and sweet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
For the Crumble:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)
For Serving:
- Salted caramel sauce (or regular caramel sauce, optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apple crisp bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Take your peeled and sliced apples and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using). Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside to rest and let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Make the Crust
In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will form a delightful base for your apple mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Once your apples have rested, layer them evenly over the prepared crust. Spread them out so that each bite has a mix of flavors.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until you have a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it—each oven is different!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzling with caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream if desired. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds.
Tips on Making Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp
- Choose the Right Apples: Mix tart types like Granny Smith with sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a well-rounded flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Cinnamon: A good amount of cinnamon really enhances the overall taste. Don’t hold back!
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: They provide the best texture. Quick oats can turn mushy, and that’s not what we want.
- Chill the Crust Ingredients: For a firmer crust, chilling the butter before mixing can lead to better results.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the crisp to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely, so you can serve beautiful portions.
How Do You Store This Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp?
- At Room Temperature: You can keep it out for a day. The crust may soften, but it will still taste delightful.
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
- For Longer Storage: Freeze the crisp before baking. Wrap it well and place it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply remove it, thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake as directed.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp?
- Almond Flour for All-Purpose Flour: This gluten-free option works well for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Coconut Oil for Butter: Replace butter with melted coconut oil in the crumble for a dairy-free option.
- Honey or Maple Syrup for Granulated Sugar: You can substitute these natural sweeteners. Just remember to adjust the liquid in your recipe accordingly.
- Peaches or Pears for Apples: Who says apple crisp can’t branch out? Using stone fruits gives a unique flavor twist that’s amazing during summer months.
- Nut Butters for Greek Yogurt: Instead of Greek yogurt, choose almond or peanut butter for added creaminess and a protein boost.
Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 packages 24oz, 750g cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier option
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 cups peeled sliced apples (about 3 medium apples, use a mix of tart and sweet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, to balance the sweetness
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor depth
- Salted caramel sauce or regular caramel sauce, optional
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apple crisp bakes evenly.
- Take your peeled and sliced apples and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using). Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside to rest and let the flavors meld.
- In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will form a delightful base for your apple mixture.
- Once your apples have rested, layer them evenly over the prepared crust. Spread them out so that each bite has a mix of flavors.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until you have a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple layer.
- Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it—each oven is different!
- Once baked, allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzling with caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream if desired. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds.
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Mix tart types like Granny Smith with sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a well-rounded flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Cinnamon: A good amount of cinnamon really enhances the overall taste. Don’t hold back!
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: They provide the best texture. Quick oats can turn mushy, and that’s not what we want.
- Chill the Crust Ingredients: For a firmer crust, chilling the butter before mixing can lead to better results.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the crisp to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely, so you can serve beautiful portions.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In the vast landscape of desserts, Cheesecake Factory’s apple crisp holds a special place in my heart. Its warmth, flavor, and nostalgia create a delightful experience for anyone lucky enough to indulge. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this classic in your kitchen.
Whether you enjoy it solo or share it with loved ones, this apple crisp is sure to be a hit. It’s an expression of care, love, and comfort rolled into one delicious dish. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—you won’t regret it. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination, because, in the world of food, every moment is a memory waiting to be created.
