Name: Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 10 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 270g (2 packed cups) digestive cookies or graham crackers; 85g (6 tablespoons) butter, melted; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 720g (3 cups) fresh apple cider (honeycrisp cider suggested for tartness); Mulling spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise – about 2 teaspoons mixed spices); 3 full fat cream cheese bricks (227g each), softened and at room temperature; 200g (1 cup) brown sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 240g (1 cup) sour cream; ⅓ cup reduced apple cider syrup (from above); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

If you’re craving something truly special that marries the crisp, cozy flavors of autumn with creamy indulgence, this Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the tangy sweetness of fresh apple cider transformed into a rich, spiced cheesecake that melts in your mouth with every bite. This dessert is a perfect celebration of seasonal flavors, bringing together buttery crust, aromatic mulling spices, and a velvety, luscious filling that’s unlike any cheesecake you’ve tasted before. It’s a heartfelt treat to share with friends and family, guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several baking ingredients arranged on a light brown wooden table. There is a white bowl with three whole brown eggs near the top left. To the right of the eggs, a silver measuring cup filled with white cream or yogurt is resting on the table. Below the eggs, another silver measuring cup is filled with light brown sugar. In the center bottom is a glass jar filled with amber-colored liquid, possibly honey or syrup. To the left of the jar is a small glass container with ground cinnamon. A large glass jar containing white flour is on the far left side. A silver vanilla extract bottle stands near the middle top, with a silver ring cap next to it. Finally, part of a gray kitchen tool, possibly a dough cutter or scraper, is visible at the bottom right. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is a breeze, but each plays an essential role in building the unforgettable flavor and texture of this Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe. From the crunchy crumbly base to the silky, spiced filling, every element contributes to a harmonious and comforting dessert experience.

270g or 2 packed cups digestive cookies or graham crackers: Provides a buttery and slightly sweet base with just the right crunch.
85g or 6 tablespoons butter (melted): Binds the crust crumbs beautifully while adding richness.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness to the crust.
720g or 3 cups fresh apple cider (honeycrisp cider preferred): Gives the cheesecake its characteristic tangy apple backbone with lovely tart notes.
Mulling spices: Infuses warmth and spiced aromas that evoke fall coziness.
3 full fat cream cheese bricks (227g each, softened): The creamy foundation for the indulgent filling.
200g or 1 cup brown sugar: Brings depth and caramel undertones to the cheesecake batter.
½ teaspoon salt: Ensures balanced sweetness and flavor complexity inside the filling.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness and smoothness.
240g or 1 cup sour cream: Gives a slight tang and ultra-smooth texture to the filling.
⅓ cup reduced apple cider: Concentrated apple flavor that intensifies the taste profile.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms the dessert with a gentle spicy note.
3 large eggs: Richness and structure to create that perfect cheesecake consistency.
2 tablespoons all purpose flour: Helps stabilize the filling without weighing it down.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by boiling your fresh apple cider with aromatic mulling spices on high heat for about an hour until it thickens down to a rich, syrupy 1/3 cup. This reduction condenses the apple flavor and infuses those warm spice notes that will shine through the cheesecake filling. Once reduced, set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor, pulse the digestive cookies or graham crackers until finely ground. Add melted butter, salt, and powdered sugar then pulse again until the mixture forms wet crumbs. Press these crumbs evenly into an 8-inch springform pan or lined cake pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then allow it to cool completely before chilling. This base creates a buttery, crisp foundation that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Lower your oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and brown sugar together until completely smooth and lump-free, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and the reduced apple cider, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy, spiced batter. Finally, beat in the eggs and flour just until combined—overmixing here can affect texture, so gentle is best!

Step 4: Bake Your Cheesecake

Place your cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water to create a water bath, which helps gently cook the cheesecake and prevent cracking. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake for around 90 minutes or more, checking for doneness by a slight wobble in the center while the edges are set. Once done, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for 30 minutes to cool gradually. After that, close the door and let it cool for another 15 minutes before removing completely to cool at room temperature.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to let it set fully. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and gives you that luscious, sliceable texture that makes this Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

The image shows a slice of cheesecake on a white plate with a thick, smooth layer of caramel sauce dripping over the top and slightly down the side. The cheesecake has a creamy, pale beige filling with a textured, crumbly light brown crust holding it together. A fork is on the plate, with a piece of the cheesecake and some caramel on it, and a woman's hand is just touching the fork. In the background, the rest of the cheesecake sits on a white plate, with the same caramel layer on top. The surface beneath the plate has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little goes a long way in elevating your cheesecake’s presentation and flavor. Fresh apple slices, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce add wonderful complementing notes. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans can provide an inviting touch that your guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Pairing your cheesecake with something fresh and light like a crisp salad of greens with a citrus vinaigrette or a side of spiced poached pears can balance its richness. For a cozy gathering, serve it alongside hot spiced tea or a warm mug of mulled cider to echo the autumnal flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun and unexpected, try serving individual mini cheesecakes in mason jars layered with crushed cookies and apple compote. Alternatively, a rustic apple cider drizzle artfully splattered atop the whole cake adds visual excitement and extra flavor. The charm of this Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe lies in its inviting look as much as its spectacular taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days, allowing you to savor your favorite dessert over almost a week. Just be sure it’s wrapped or contained well to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to ensure no freezer burn. Frozen cheesecake lasts up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for an extra creamy mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just choose a good-quality fresh apple cider, preferably one labeled as natural or fresh-pressed for the best flavor. Avoid overly sweetened versions to maintain balance in the cheesecake.

Do I need to use mulling spices? What if I don’t have them?

Mulling spices add a signature warmth and depth, but if you don’t have a mix on hand, you can create your own with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise. Or skip them, and your cheesecake will still be delicious, just with milder spice notes.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes! Graham crackers or digestive biscuits work best due to their buttery texture, but you could also experiment with gingersnaps or even shortbread for a unique twist on the crust’s flavor.

Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses digestive cookies or graham crackers which contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free cookies or crackers and ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

Look for set edges that are firm but a center that still gently wobbles slightly when you shake the pan—a classic sign that the cheesecake is baked to creamy perfection and will set up beautifully during chilling.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe is pure joy in dessert form, blending rich creaminess with the crisp essence of fresh apples and warm spices. It’s perfect for making memorable moments at any gathering or just treating yourself to something spectacular after a busy day. I encourage you to whip up this seasonal delight and watch it become a celebrated classic in your recipe collection.

Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need