Bavarian Apple Cheesecake
Submitted by lwork
Bavarian apple cheesecake with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy vanilla filling, warm cinnamon apple slices, and sliced almonds. A stunning fall dessert that combines two classics into one showstopping cake.
YIELD
1 cakePREP
30 minCOOK
40 minREADY
5 hrsWhat happens when a creamy New York cheesecake meets a German apple kuchen? This gorgeous Bavarian creation, that’s what.
A buttery shortbread crust gets pressed into a springform pan, then filled with fluffy vanilla cream cheese and topped with warm, tender apple slices dusted in cinnamon sugar and scattered with sliced almonds.
The apples get a head start in the oven so they’re soft and caramelized on top while the cheesecake filling stays smooth and creamy underneath.
Chill it overnight and what you pull from the fridge the next day is the kind of dessert that makes people set down their forks and say “you made this?"
Chef Tips
- Pre-baking the apple slices ensures they’re tender and slightly caramelized instead of crunchy on top of the filling
- Beat the cream cheese filling just until combined after adding eggs; overbeating introduces air bubbles that cause cracking
- Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the cleanest slices and the most developed flavor
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking
Variations
- Swap almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts for a richer, more autumnal flavor
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon or Calvados to the cream cheese filling for a boozy twist
- Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving for an over-the-top finish
Ingredients
Directions
In medium mixer bowl, beat sugar, margarine, shortening, and vanilla on medium speed of electric mixer til combined.
Blend in flour and salt until crumbly.
Pat onto the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
Set aside.
Place apple slices in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
Cover with foil.
Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Add the eggs, all at once, beating on low speed just until combined.
Pour into dough-lined pan.
Arrange warm apple slices on top of filling.
Combine the remaing sugar and cinnamon.
Sprinkle, with the almonds, on top of the warm apples.
Bake, at 400℉ (200℃) for 40 minutes or until golden.
Cool.
Remove sides and place cake on serving platter.
Cover; chill 4 to 24 hours before serving.
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