If you love the cozy comfort of fall flavors wrapped into one heavenly bite, then get ready to fall head over heels for this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe. Imagine tender, warmly spiced apple bread layered with a luscious cheesecake filling and crowned with a crunchy crisp topping that adds just the right balance of sweetness and texture. This dessert is everything you want in an apple treat but so much more — rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. It’s perfect for brunch, a comforting afternoon snack, or a star dessert to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe right depends on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create its signature texture and taste. Each element brings something special to the table — from tender apples adding freshness, to the cream cheese that brings creamy depth, and the crisp topping that delivers delightful crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for the bread layers.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Bring warm, comforting fall spice notes.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the batter and the crisp topping.
- Granulated and brown sugar: Offer sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor from the brown sugar.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and give the bread a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with its sweet aroma.
- Sour cream: Contributes moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
- Apples: Fresh diced apples bring juicy bursts and a natural crispness.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer for creamy decadence.
- Rolled oats: Add texture and a rustic element to the crisp topping.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant spice mix forms the foundation for your spiced apple bread.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and creamy. This step introduces air into the batter, ensuring a tender crumb once baked. The brown sugar’s molasses undertones also deepen the flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Mix in the eggs one at a time for an even texture. Stir in vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma and sour cream for moisture and a slight tang that will balance the sweetness perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Fold in Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense. Then gently fold in the finely diced apples that will bake into tender pockets of fruit throughout the loaf.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. This cheesecake layer will add a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced bread.
Step 6: Make the Crisp Topping
Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then cut in cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a crunchy, golden finish.
Step 7: Layer and Bake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Spread the cheesecake layer evenly on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over everything. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool first in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe, consider sprinkling powdered sugar on top or adding a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs wonderfully with the apple and cream cheese flavors, giving each bite extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own but pairs nicely with fresh fruit or a warming cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch setting, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a sweet and savory contrast that will delight your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick slabs and serve on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a charming seasonal display. You can also cut the loaf into mini portions to serve as bite-sized treats at a party or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, keep your Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will help maintain the moistness of the bread and the creamy cheesecake layer.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later enjoyment, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or slice it first and freeze individual portions. Frozen Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread stays delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that warm, freshly baked feel without drying it out. This makes for an easy and delightful treat any time of day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, other firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn will also provide great texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, but keep in mind it might slightly change the texture and taste. Using coconut or almond milk sour cream versions works well to keep that tangy moisture.
Can I make the Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe in muffin form?
Yes! Divide the batter and cheesecake layer equally into muffin tins and top with crisp topping for individual portions. Adjust baking time to about 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why does the bread sometimes turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening (baking powder/soda) can make the bread dense. Be sure to combine ingredients just until incorporated and double-check your baking powder is fresh.
Can I add nuts to the crisp topping?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add amazing crunch and flavor to the crisp topping. Just fold them in when mixing the oats and flour for an extra special touch.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate — a perfect blend of cozy spices, luscious cream cheese, and crisp apple goodness all baked into one loaf. I can’t recommend it enough for your next baking adventure; it’s sure to become a beloved favorite that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles and satisfied taste buds.
Print
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread combining tender spiced apple batter, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a crunchy oat topping for a perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined to create the spiced flour base.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, forming the base of the batter.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully mixed, then blend in vanilla extract and sour cream for moisture and richness.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry spiced flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the finely diced apples to distribute fruit evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, forming the cheesecake layer.
- Make Crisp Topping: Mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble Layers: Pour half of the apple batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the cheesecake layer over it, then top with the remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the entire loaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to set the layers properly.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Store leftover bread in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
