Irresistible Apple Cider Cheesecake : Creamy, Spiced & Perfect for Fall!

When the leaves turn golden and there’s a crisp chill in the air, few things feel as comforting as the warm aroma of apple cider simmering on the stove. This Apple Cider Cheesecake captures that same cozy feeling in dessert form. With a buttery crust, creamy spiced filling, and a luscious apple cider reduction drizzled on top, it’s a show-stopping treat that celebrates everything we love about fall.

Whether you’re looking for a cheesecake fall dessert to serve at Thanksgiving, a new must try baking recipe for a seasonal gathering, or a unique spin on apple spice cheesecake, this recipe checks all the boxes.

If you’ve already enjoyed our pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust or caramel apple crisp cheesecake bars, this will be your next go-to autumn dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

• Combines the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the sweet-tart richness of apple cider
• Perfect for fall holidays and special occasions
• Make-ahead friendly so you can prep before busy events
• Elegant enough for a dinner party yet comforting enough for a family gathering
• Features a homemade apple cider reduction for intense apple flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Measurements)

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup apple cider reduction (see below)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the apple cider reduction:

• 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional for richer sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cider Reduction

1. Pour apple cider into a medium saucepan.
2. Add brown sugar and cinnamon if using.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Continue simmering until the liquid is reduced to about ½ cup and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Cool completely before adding to the cheesecake filling.

Pro tip: This reduction is also delicious drizzled over apple cider donuts or apple cider bundt cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Apple Cider Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust
   Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill while making the filling.
2. Make the Filling
   In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until well combined. Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until creamy and fully incorporated.
3. Assemble and Bake
   Pour filling over the crust. Tap the pan lightly to release any air bubbles. Place the cheesecake in a water bath to help prevent cracks, and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
4. Cool and Chill
   Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Add the Topping
   Just before serving, drizzle additional apple cider reduction over the top. Add whipped cream or spiced caramel if desired.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch springform pan
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Medium saucepan for reduction
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet for water bath

These are the same tools you’d use for our classic baked cheesecake or apple crumble cheesecake.

Tips for the Creamiest Cheesecake

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a lump-free filling.
• Don’t overmix once you add eggs—this prevents cracking.
• Always use a water bath for even baking.
• Cool gradually in the oven to prevent sudden temperature changes.

Flavor Variations for Apple Spice Cheesecake

• Caramel Apple Cheesecake – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
• Apple Pie Cheesecake – Layer cinnamon apples on top before baking.
• Pecan Streusel Cheesecake – Sprinkle with pecan crumble before baking.
• Maple Glazed Cheesecake – Drizzle with maple syrup instead of cider reduction.

How to Turn This into Apple Cider Pie

If you prefer pie over cheesecake, you can adapt this recipe by making a standard pie crust, filling it with the same cheesecake batter, and baking for a slightly shorter time. Top with cider reduction for a must try baking recipe twist on apple cider pie.

Cheesecake Fall Recipes You’ll Also Love

• Pumpkin swirl cheesecake
• Cranberry orange cheesecake
• Maple pecan cheesecake

Must Try Baking Recipes for the Season

• Apple crumb cake
• Pecan pie brownies
• Cinnamon roll cake

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cheesecakes

• Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Things to Make with Apple Cider

• Apple cider donut muffins
• Apple cider pulled chicken
• Apple cider vinaigrette

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using apple juice instead of cider—flavor will be less intense.
• Skipping the water bath—can cause cracks.
• Overbaking—cheesecake should still jiggle slightly in the center when done.

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FAQs About Apple Cider Cheesecake

Can I make this without the reduction?
Yes, but the flavor won’t be as concentrated.

Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, but homemade offers more flavor and texture.

Can I make mini versions?
Yes, use a muffin tin with liners and reduce bake time to about 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts: A Cheesecake That Brings Fall to the Table

This apple cider cheesecake recipe delivers the perfect blend of creamy, spiced indulgence with the signature tang and sweetness of reduced apple cider. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a weekend baking project, it’s one of those cheesecake fall recipes you’ll find yourself making year after year.

If you love apple cheesecakes and autumn flavors, don’t miss our spiced apple cake and apple cider cupcakes.

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