Print

Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 74 reviews

This Apple Cider Cheesecake features a unique blend of tart and sweet flavors with a rich creamy filling infused with spiced, reduced apple cider, all resting on a buttery digestive cookie crust. Perfect for autumn celebrations, its smooth texture combined with warm cinnamon and mulling spices creates an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 270g or 2 packed cups digestive cookies or graham crackers
  • 85g or 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Filling

  • 720g or 3 cups fresh apple cider (honeycrisp cider recommended for tartness)
  • Mulling spices (to taste, typically cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice)
  • 3 full fat cream cheese bricks (227g each), softened and at room temperature
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Boil and Reduce Cider: In a large pot, bring the fresh apple cider and mulling spices to a boil over high heat. Let it simmer and reduce for about 1 hour until it thickens into a syrup and you have approximately 1/3 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the digestive cookies or graham crackers until finely ground. Add the melted butter, salt, and powdered sugar, pulsing until the mixture forms wet crumbs.
  3. Form and Bake Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into an 8-inch round springform pan wrapped with foil or a similarly sized cake pan lined with parchment paper and greased. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool. Once cooled, chill the crust in the refrigerator.
  4. Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
  5. Make Cheesecake Filling: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, scraping down the sides as needed.
  6. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Incorporate the sour cream, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and the cooled, reduced apple cider into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until very creamy, again scraping as needed.
  7. Incorporate Eggs and Flour: Add the eggs and flour to the mix and beat just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture smooth and tender.
  8. Prepare for Water Bath: Place the cheesecake pan inside a 13×9 inch baking pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water to create a water bath which ensures even baking and prevents cracking.
  9. Bake Cheesecake: Pour the filling onto the chilled crust and bake for at least 90 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and firm but the center remains slightly wobbly when gently shaken.
  10. Cool in Oven: Turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake inside. Prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to gradually cool the cheesecake for 30 minutes.
  11. Further Cooling: Close the oven door and let the cheesecake cool inside for an additional 15 minutes.
  12. Chill Before Serving: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 8 hours before serving to ensure full set and optimal flavor.

Notes

  • Using honeycrisp apple cider provides a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
  • Mulling spices can be adjusted based on preference but typically include cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a lump-free filling.
  • Be cautious not to overmix after adding eggs to maintain a tender cheesecake texture.
  • Wrapping the springform pan with foil prevents water from seeping into the crust during the water bath baking.
  • Cooling the cheesecake slowly inside the oven helps prevent cracks on the surface.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavors and texture.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/apple-cider-cheesecake-recipe/