Apple Cardamom Cheesecake Recipe
Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (excluding cooling and chilling time)
Servings: 12
Calories: 386.5 per serving
Description
This Apple Cardamom Cheesecake brings together the fragrant warmth of cardamom, the tartness of cooking apples, and the creamy richness of classic cheesecake. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion where dessert needs to make a statement. The crust is made with buttery graham crackers, the apples are caramelized to perfection, and the cheesecake itself is smooth and lush. You’ll be enjoying layers of sweet-spiced apples beneath a fluffy cream cheese filling.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 1/2 cups | 190 | 5 | 30 | 3 |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup | 193 | 0 | 50 | 0 |
| Ground cardamom (for crust) | 3/4 tsp | 6 | 0 | 1.5 | 0 |
| Butter (for crust) | 1/3 cup | 270 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooking apples (such as Granny Smith) | 4 apples | 320 | 0.4 | 85 | 1 |
| Sugar (for apples) | 1/4 cup | 193 | 0 | 50 | 0 |
| Butter (for apples) | 1/4 cup | 204 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| Ground cardamom (for apples) | 3/4 tsp | 6 | 0 | 1.5 | 0 |
| Cream cheese | 2 packages (16 oz) | 1600 | 160 | 20 | 32 |
| Sugar (for filling) | 2/3 cup | 515 | 0 | 133 | 0 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 24 | 0 | 1.2 | 0 |
| Lemon peel (grated) | 1/2 tsp | 1 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 |
| Eggs | 4 large | 284 | 20 | 2 | 24 |
Nutritional Information per Serving
- Calories: 386.5
- Fat: 24.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 13.7 g
- Cholesterol: 127.4 mg
- Sodium: 275 mg
- Carbohydrates: 37.8 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Sugars: 30.4 g
- Protein: 5.3 g
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature allows the cheesecake to bake evenly, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom, and 1/3 cup melted butter.
Mix everything thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened by the butter. - Press this graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Be sure to press it about 1 inch up the sides of the pan to create a firm, even crust that will hold the filling. Set the pan aside while you prepare the apples.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
- Peel and core 4 medium-sized cooking apples (Granny Smith or another firm, tart variety works well). Cut each apple into 16 even slices.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Add the apple slices, 1/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Cook the apples, stirring often, until they become tender and begin to caramelize. This should take about 10 minutes. The sugar and butter will bubble up around the apples, creating a beautiful caramel sauce that coats each slice. - Remove the skillet from heat once the apples have a golden-brown color and are soft but still holding their shape.
- Arrange the caramelized apple slices evenly over the bottom of your prepared crust. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 packages (16 oz total) of cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. It’s important to start with softened cream cheese to ensure the filling will be creamy with no lumps.
- Gradually add in 2/3 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon peel. Continue to beat until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
This ensures a smooth and silky batter, which is key for a cheesecake with a light and creamy texture. - Once your cheesecake mixture is fully blended, carefully pour it over the layer of caramelized apples in your crust.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is almost set. The cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools, so it’s okay if it’s still slightly jiggly in the middle.
- When baking is complete, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool down gradually.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
- After the hour in the oven, remove the cheesecake and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to fully set.
- When ready to serve, gently run a knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform sides.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Cardamom Cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it by serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. You could even add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cardamom on top for extra fragrance.
Enjoy this dessert as a show-stopping finale to a fall meal, or make it a highlight of your holiday dessert spread!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This makes the mixing process easier and helps to create a smoother filling.
- Preventing Cracks: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath (by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with an inch of hot water) helps prevent cracks. However, cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven also works well.
- Cutting Neatly: For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut.
Recipe Keywords
Dessert, Apple, Fruit, Oven, Cheesecake, Fall Dessert, Apple Cardamom, Holiday Baking
