If you are looking for an irresistible treat to embrace all the cozy flavors of fall, the Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious loaf perfectly blends juicy apple chunks, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a crunchy crisp topping—all baked into a moist, cake-like bread that tastes like a slice of apple pie and cheesecake had a delicious love child. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee, this recipe brings warmth and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each carefully chosen ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in delivering that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the crumbly crisp topping to the creamy cheesecake filling and tender apple-studded bread, you’ll see how simple pantry staples can combine into something truly magical.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for both the crisp topping and the bread, giving structure and softness.
- Quick cooking oats: Adds delightful texture to the crisp topping.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a rich caramel note to the topping, cinnamon sugar, and apples.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: The spices that evoke that classic fall feeling in every layer.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the crisp topping for richness and aids in tenderizing the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and balances tartness.
- Medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala): Peeled and diced, they keep the bread moist and flavorful.
- Baking powder and salt: Essentials for leavening and flavor enhancement in the bread.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the bread and cheesecake layers.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both bread and cheesecake filling.
- Milk: Keeps the bread batter tender and smooth.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, creating a luscious, creamy contrast to the textured bread.
- Powdered sugar and additional milk or creme: For the sweet glaze that finishes the loaf with style.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by greasing a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with baking spray and lining it with parchment paper, creating an overhang on the sides to help you lift the bread out later. Position your oven rack slightly below the center and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This setup ensures your bread will bake evenly and release easily from the pan, setting you up for a flawless finish.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
Combine flour, oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and whisk together until everything is moistened and crumbly. Pop this mixture into the fridge while you prepare the rest; chilling it helps maintain its integrity during baking so it crisps beautifully on top.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar and Apples
Mix cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl for the dusting sugar later. Dice your peeled apples into half-inch chunks, tossing them with granulated sugar and cinnamon. This simple mix ensures the apples are coated evenly with warmth and sweetness, keeping their flavor vibrant inside the bread.
Step 4: Make the Bread Batter
Cream the butter with sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Incorporate the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking powder—and mix until combined. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring just until the batter comes together, ensuring your bread will be tender and moist, not dense.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, flour, and vanilla. Add one egg and mix just until smooth and creamy, avoiding overmixing which could affect the texture. This filling adds a tangy, velvety layer that perfectly balances the sweetness of the apples and bread.
Step 6: Assemble the Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Spread half of the bread batter evenly in your prepared pan. Scatter half of the apple mixture over the batter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar you made earlier. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the apples, gently spreading it with the back of a spoon but stopping short of the edges to allow the bread batter to surround it. Next, spoon the remaining bread batter over the cheesecake layer and smooth the top. Finish by scattering the remaining apples and topping them with the crisp topping from the fridge.
Step 7: Bake and Glaze
Bake for 55 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean—remember, this bread is dense from the apples and cheesecake, so a bit of moistness on the toothpick is okay. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil after 30-40 minutes. Let the bread cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment overhang. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or creme, and vanilla to drizzle a sweet glaze over the cooled bread—this final touch adds a pretty sheen and an extra hint of sweetness.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches before serving elevates this dessert-like bread to culinary star status. A sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans complements the crisp topping’s texture, while a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds visual appeal and hints at the cozy flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Because this bread is rich and full of flavor, it pairs wonderfully with lighter companions like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea perfectly balances the sweetness and spice, creating a comforting and indulgent combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf thick and serve on rustic wooden boards for a charming presentation. You can also cut the bread into small squares and serve as part of a buffet or party spread. Drizzling a little extra glaze or serving with a side of warm caramel sauce offers another layer of decadence that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread keeps beautifully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to five days; just ensure it’s well-covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for preparing ahead. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm, reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive that crisp topping texture. Avoid overheating as the cream cheese layer can become too soft, but a gentle warm-up restores the bread’s delightful aroma and moist crumb.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples add tartness and hold their shape well, while Gala or Fuji apples bring more sweetness and softness. Mixing types can create a wonderful balance of flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese is key for the cheesecake filling’s creamy richness, but if you’re in a pinch, a mixture of mascarpone or ricotta cheese with a bit of powdered sugar can work as a substitute, though the texture and flavor will be somewhat different.
Why does the bread take longer to bake than usual?
This bread is dense because of the apple chunks and cheesecake layer, which adds moisture and weight. It’s perfectly normal for it to bake 55 to 70 minutes. Tent with foil if browning too fast to avoid overcooking the top.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and milk alternatives, you can make this recipe dairy-free. The texture may shift slightly, but the flavor will still delight.
Is it necessary to line the pan with parchment paper?
Using parchment paper with an overhang makes lifting the bread out much easier and prevents sticking. It’s highly recommended for flawless removal and a neat presentation.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe that just makes you want to gather friends and family around and share a slice while sipping on a warm drink. Its tender crumb, sweet apples, creamy cheesecake filling, and crunchy topping bring comfort and joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire as it did in mine!
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Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
Description
Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bread is a delightful fall-inspired baked good combining moist, cake-like homemade bread rich with tender apple chunks, a smooth cream cheese cheesecake layer, and a crispy, cinnamon-spiced oat topping. This loaf bakes in a standard loaf pan yielding a comforting dessert-style bread that tastes like cake and is perfect for cozy seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
Crisp Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon-sugar:
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Apples:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala), peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz. brick-style cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk or creme
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving a large overhang for easy removal. Adjust the oven rack to just below the center (lower third position) and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make Crisp Topping: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until evenly moistened. Place the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use to keep it firm.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar and Apples: In a small bowl, mix the 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon with 3 Tablespoons brown sugar and set aside. Peel and dice the apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Toss the diced apples with 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set apples aside as well.
- Make Bread Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Slowly pour in the milk and mix gently to combine all ingredients, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula to remove any lumps.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bread: Spread half of the bread batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan. Scatter half the apple mixture over the batter, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the apples, gently spreading with the back of a spoon without touching the edges of the pan. Carefully spoon the remaining bread batter over the cheesecake layer and smooth the top. Top with the remaining apple mixture and finally scatter the crisp topping evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Because of the heavy apple content, baking time may vary. If the top begins to brown too much before the center is done, tent the bread loosely with aluminum foil after 30-40 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Remove: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 20-30 minutes. Using the parchment paper overhang, gently lift the bread from the pan and place it on the rack to cool completely.
- Make and Add Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or creme, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for added sweetness and finish.
Notes
- Ensure your loaf pan has approximately an 8-cup volume to prevent overflowing of the cheesecake layer during baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, to ensure smooth batter and filling.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven; the loaf should be tested with a toothpick starting at 55 minutes for doneness.
- Tent with foil during baking if the crust browns too quickly to prevent burning.
- The bread tastes more like a cake, so it works wonderfully as a dessert or a sweet breakfast bread.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 to 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
