If you love the cozy flavors of fall and the indulgence of cheesecake all rolled into one delicious treat, then you are going to adore this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe. Imagine tender, spiced apple-studded bread layered with a creamy cheesecake center and topped with a buttery oat crisp. Every bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures that feels like a warm hug from your oven. This easy-to-make loaf is a delightful way to bring together comfort and elegance in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe a standout. Each component plays its role perfectly, from the tartness of the apples to the creamy richness of the cheesecake layer and the satisfying crumble of the crisp topping.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for the bread’s tender crumb and crisp topping.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Give the bread the right rise and a light texture.
- Salt and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg): Elevate the autumnal flavor profile with warmth and subtle depth.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, with both softened butter for the batter and cold butter for the topping.
- Granulated and brown sugar: Deliver sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor, creating a deep, caramelized note.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients while contributing to the bread’s tender texture.
- Sour cream: Keeps the bread moist and adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic backdrop.
- Chopped apples: Use tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith for that perfect burst of fresh fruit and a little crunch.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, providing a luxuriously creamy contrast.
- Old-fashioned oats: Give the topping a hearty, rustic texture that crunches beautifully when baked.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed and the leaveners blend smoothly for a consistent rise.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into your batter, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, which add moisture and flavor complexity to the base of the bread.
Step 4: Combining the Batter
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can leave the bread dense. Then fold in the finely chopped apples. These provide the fruity star of the show—juicy, tart, and perfectly textured.
Step 5: Preparing the Cheesecake Layer
Beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious cheesecake layer will bring richness and a velvety touch that contrasts the spiced apples in the bread.
Step 6: Making the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon with cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping crisps up during baking to add delightful texture.
Step 7: Assembling and Baking
Grease your loaf pan and pour half of the apple batter into it, spreading it evenly. Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the batter, then top it with the remaining apple batter, gently spreading it over the cream cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the crisp topping uniformly on top. Bake at 350°F for 60 to 70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the apple bread layers (the cheesecake layer will remain creamy inside). Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it feel like a special occasion treat.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs marvelously with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. If you want to create a brunch spread, serve it alongside seasonal fresh fruit, nuts, or soft cheeses to balance its sweetness and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thickly and toast the slices lightly for a warm, melty experience. You can also cut it into cubes and serve as part of a dessert fondue platter or transform it into a trifle layered with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving will help revive its soft, tender texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread whole or sliced. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm again, gently toast slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds. This reheating method refreshes both the moist bread and the crisp topping beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, other firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add interesting sweetness and texture. Just be sure your apples are firm to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
You can swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. These alternatives maintain the tangy richness and moisture essential to this bread’s tender crumb.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with some substitutions! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and replace sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt to keep the texture and flavor as close as possible to the original.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked with the cheesecake layer inside?
Insert a toothpick into the apple bread layers at the top and bottom sections of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. The cheesecake layer will be creamy and set but may not appear fully solid like the bread.
Can I double this recipe to bake in a larger pan?
Yes! If you want a bigger loaf, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will increase, so check doneness after about 75 minutes and test regularly until fully baked.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe is truly one of those rare baked goods that feels both decadent and comforting in every way. It’s perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s a delicious slice of fall you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
Print
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread is a delightful fusion of moist apple-infused quick bread layered with creamy cheesecake and topped with a crunchy oat crisp. Perfect for fall baking, this American dessert offers a comforting blend of tart apples, warm spices, and rich cream cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth for moisture and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped peeled apples into the batter evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Make Crisp Topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the apple batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading evenly. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture on top, creating an even layer. Add the remaining apple batter over the cheesecake and gently spread to cover.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Notes
- Use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and balanced flavor.
- Store the bread in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
- This bread is delicious served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion.
