Description
This Apple Cider Cheesecake blends creamy cheesecake decadence with the sweet-tart flavor of homemade apple cider reduction, finished with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spice for the ultimate fall dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Apple Cider Reduction: Simmer apple cider with optional brown sugar and cinnamon until reduced to ½ cup and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill while preparing filling.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cooled cider reduction. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour filling over crust. Place pan in a water bath and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60–70 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool & Chill: Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top & Serve: Drizzle with extra cider reduction before serving. Add whipped cream or caramel if desired.
Notes
- Use real apple cider, not juice, for best flavor.
- A water bath helps prevent cracking.
- Cool gradually to avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Store covered in fridge up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Flavor variations: caramel apple, apple pie topping, pecan streusel, or maple glaze.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Apple Cider Cheesecake, Fall Cheesecake Recipe, Apple Spice Dessert, Thanksgiving Cheesecake