Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the crust
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Stir the graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons sugar and 5 tablespoons melted butter.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly over the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until fragrant and set.
- Cool the crust on a wire rack.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
Bake the topping
- Combine the oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in 4 tablespoons cold butter until the mixture forms pea-size clumps.
- Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden.
- Cool the topping completely.
Make the filling
- Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium-low speed until smooth.
- Add 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour and beat just until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla just until smooth.
Assemble and bake
- Toss the apples with the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon flour until evenly coated.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
- Arrange the apples in an even layer on top.
- Bake at 325°F for 65 to 80 minutes, until the edges are set and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the center registers 160°F.
Chill and serve
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake and cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake in the pan for at least 6 hours.
- Run a thin knife around the edge before releasing the springform ring.
- Scatter the cooled crisp topping over the cheesecake just before serving.
Notes
Let the crisp topping cool completely before adding it so it stays crunchy. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; the cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
