Apple Cider Cheesecake – 1 Cozy Fall Favorite You’ll Love

Apple Cider Cheesecake is the cozy, fall-inspired dessert you didn’t know you needed—but now you won’t be able to live without it.

Hi, I’m Sam, and I’m so glad you’re here! At dishfoody.com, I share flavorful, feel-good recipes made to make life in the kitchen easier and more joyful. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy comfort dish, or an impressive dessert—there’s something here for every appetite. This Apple Cider Cheesecake is one of my seasonal favorites. It started as a playful experiment during apple-picking season and turned into a must-have at every fall gathering. With a smooth, creamy base, tangy apple cider reduction, and warm spices, this cheesecake brings festive flavor to every slice.

Why This Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe Works

  • Uses pantry-staple ingredients and real apple cider
  • The cider reduction intensifies the fall flavor
  • Bakes with a smooth, crack-free texture
  • Can be made a day ahead for stress-free entertaining

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Apple Cider Cheesecake

Best Base for This Recipe

  • Cream Cheese: Go full-fat for best richness and texture.
  • Apple Cider: Use unfiltered, no-sugar-added cider for the deepest flavor.

Buying Tips

  • Look for cream cheese bricks, not spreadable tubs.
  • Check that the cider has no added flavors or spices.

Substitutions

  • No graham crackers? Use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
  • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Cider Cheesecake

Crust Essentials

  • 1½ cups crushed graham crackers
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 (8 oz) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ cup reduced apple cider (see below)

Apple Cider Reduction

  • 1½ cups apple cider reduced to ½ cup over medium heat

Pantry Staples

  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Butter and sugar
Apple Cider Cheesecake

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Apple Cider Cheesecake

Pre-Cooking Prep for Apple Cider Cheesecake

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Wrap springform pan in foil for water bath.
  • Line bottom with parchment paper.

Cooking Method for Apple Cider Cheesecake

Make the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add sugar, then sour cream, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, spices, and cooled cider reduction.
Assemble and Bake: Pour filling into crust. Place pan in a larger dish filled with hot water. Bake 55–60 minutes or until center is just set.

Doneness Check for Apple Cider Cheesecake

  • The center should jiggle slightly but not look wet.
  • Knife inserted 1” from the edge should come out mostly clean.

Resting Apple Cider Cheesecake

  • Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
  • Unmold and garnish just before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Cheesecake

Avoiding Cracks or Dry Texture in Apple Cider Cheesecake

  • Don’t overmix after eggs are added—just blend until incorporated.
  • Always use a water bath for even baking.
  • Cool gradually—avoid sudden temperature changes.

Tools That Help

  • Springform pan
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Heavy-bottom saucepan (for cider reduction)

Storage & Reheating

  • Store covered in fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months—slice before freezing for easier portions.

Flavor Variations for Apple Cider Cheesecake

VariationDescriptionNotes
Maple SwirlAdd 2 tbsp maple syrup to the batterDeepens fall flavor
Chai SpiceReplace cinnamon and nutmeg with 1½ tsp chai spiceAdds warmth and complexity
Apple Butter ToppingSpread thin layer of apple butter on top before servingFor a rustic look
Caramel DrizzleAdd a drizzle of homemade caramel over each sliceDecadent and crowd-pleasing
Gluten-FreeUse almond flour crustPerfect for gluten-sensitive guests

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Cheesecake

  • Pair with: Warm apple compote or whipped cream
  • Drink pairing: Chai latte, hot spiced tea, or spiced apple juice

FAQs for Apple Cider Cheesecake

Can I make this cheesecake in advance?

Yes! In fact, it tastes better after resting in the fridge overnight.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

You can substitute apple juice, but reduce it longer for a more concentrated flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.

Conclusion

So if you’re craving a cozy, autumnal dessert that brings the orchard straight to your plate, Apple Cider Cheesecake is it. Smooth, creamy, and packed with spiced apple richness—this is a cheesecake your friends and family won’t stop talking about. Make it ahead, slice it up, and let the fall flavors take center stage.

Ready to bake? Join thousands of home bakers who swear by this cheesecake at dishfoody.com.
Looking for another cozy dessert? Try our Flourless Pumpkin Muffins or Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe next!

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Apple Cider Cheesecake – 1 Cozy Fall Favorite You’ll Love

A rich and creamy cheesecake infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices—perfect for fall gatherings and holiday tables.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 h
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices
  • Category: desserts
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  •    1½ cups crushed graham crackers,
  •     ¼ cup granulated sugar,
  •     6 tbsp melted butter,
  •     3 (8 oz) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened,
  •     ¾ cup sugar,
  •     ½ cup sour cream,
  •     3 eggs,
  •     1 tsp vanilla extract,
  •     1 tsp cinnamon,
  •     ½ tsp nutmeg,
  •     1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)

Notes

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap springform pan in foil and line with parchment.
  • Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter. Press into pan. Bake 10 minutes.
  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, spices, and cooled cider reduction.
  • Pour filling into crust. Bake in a water bath for 55–60 minutes.
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: per piece
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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