Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Recipe

There is a dessert at the Cheesecake Factory that always makes me smile. It’s the warm and comforting Apple Crisp. This dish is a favorite for so many people.

You get sweet, soft apples with a hint of cinnamon. It’s all under a crunchy, buttery oat topping.

I always liked getting this at the restaurant. But I found out that baking it in my own kitchen feels even more special.

This copycat Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Recipe brings restaurant quality to your table. Your oven does most of the work.

You just need to prep the apples and mix a simple topping. In about an hour, you’ll have a dessert that smells amazing and tastes even better.

Why Is It Called Apple Crisp?

The name “apple crisp” comes from the crunchy topping that sits on top of the soft apples.

When you bake it, the oats and butter turn golden and crispy. That crisp texture is what makes this dessert different from others. The apples become soft and tender while the top stays crunchy.

This contrast between soft fruit and crisp topping is what gave the dish its name

What’s the Difference Between Apple Crumble and Apple Crisp?

People often mix these two up, but they are different:

1. Apple Crisp – Uses oats in the topping. The oats create a rough, textured layer that bakes into a crunchy surface. The topping stays loose and grainy. You can see each oat when you look at it. This version has more bite and chew.

2. Apple Crumble – Does not use oats. The topping comes from just flour, sugar, and butter. It bakes into larger chunks that crumble apart. The texture feels more like cookie pieces. It’s smoother and less grainy than crisp.

3. Texture Difference – Crisp feels more rustic and wholesome because of the oats. Crumble tastes richer and more buttery. Both taste great, but the oats make crisp a bit healthier.

4. Regional Names – In some places, people use these names to mean the same thing. But traditionally, oats mark the difference between the two.

Choosing the Best Apples for Your Crisp

The type of apple you pick changes how your apple crisp turns out. The best apples hold their shape while baking and don’t turn mushy.

Granny Smith apples are a favorite because they’re tart and keep a nice bite.

Honeycrisp and Fuji apples also work well since they balance sweetness and crunch.

Apple choice matters because the right texture gives the crisp that perfect bite.

Tart apples bring balance to the sweet topping, and baking-stable apples make sure the filling doesn’t turn too soft or watery.

Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Ingredients

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference. Most items are pantry basics. You can swap a few things based on what you have.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 Granny Smith apples – Tart apples balance the sweet topping perfectly. Their firm flesh doesn’t fall apart during cooking.
• ½ cup white sugar – Adds sweetness to the apples and helps create the syrup at the bottom. Raw cane sugar works as a swap and has a slightly less processed taste.
• ½ cup light brown sugar – Brings a soft caramel note to the filling. The molasses in brown sugar adds depth. Dark brown sugar works too and gives a deeper, richer taste.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that gives the dish its classic flavor. It smells like autumn and pairs perfectly with baked apples. No good substitution exists for cinnamon in this recipe.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a gentle spice that complements cinnamon. It brings warmth without taking over. You can skip it, but the flavor will be less complex.
• ¼ teaspoon allspice – Enhances the apple flavor with notes of clove and pepper. It adds another layer of warmth. Skip only as a last resort.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the filling so the juice becomes glossy syrup instead of watery liquid. All-purpose flour works in the same amount but creates a slightly cloudier sauce.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter – Gives a rich flavor and helps cook the apples. Unsalted butter works too; just add a pinch of salt to the mix.

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats – Gives a chewy, toasty topping with visible texture. Quick oats work but create a finer, less chunky top. Avoid instant oats as they turn too soft.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Holds the topping together and helps it crisp up. No direct swap works as well, but whole wheat flour adds a nuttier taste.
• ½ cup light brown sugar – Sweetens the topping and helps it brown. White sugar works but you lose the caramel notes.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds more spice for a balanced flavor throughout and matches the cinnamon in the filling.
• ½ cup salted butter (cold) – Cold butter is key. It makes the topping crisp and golden. The butter should come straight from the fridge. Unsalted butter works with added salt.

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and whipped cream turn the dessert into a true Cheesecake Factory experience.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowls – For mixing apple filling and topping separately.
2. 9×13 baking dish – Holds the apple crisp perfectly while baking.
3. Sharp knife – For peeling and dicing apples cleanly.
4. Cutting board – Safe surface for slicing all apples.
5. Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts every time.
6. Medium saucepan – To cook the apple filling properly.
7. Oven – For baking the crisp to golden perfection.
8. Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring the apple mixture smoothly.
9. Pastry cutter or clean hands – To mix butter into topping properly.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp

Step 1 | Prep the Apples

Peel and cut the apples into small cubes. Try to keep them even so they cook evenly. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2 | Mix the Spices and Sugar

In a separate bowl, combine white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Break any lumps so the mixture is smooth and even.

Step 3 | Cook the Apple Filling

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden with tiny brown bits at the bottom.

Add the apples and stir to coat them in butter. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mix over the apples and stir again. Cook until the apples soften and release juice.

Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water, pour it into the pan, and stir. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Step 4 | Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease the baking dish with butter. Pour the apple filling inside and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 5 | Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter pieces. Use clean hands or a pastry cutter to rub the butter in until the mix looks crumbly.

Step 6 | Add and Bake

Spread the topping evenly over the apples. Don’t press it down too much—it should stay light and crumbly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 7 | Cool and Serve

Let the crisp rest for 15 minutes. Now, your homemade Cheesecake Factory copycat Apple Crisp recipe is ready to serve.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Crisp

• Don’t Skip the Browning Butter Step: Browning the butter for your apple filling adds a nutty depth that regular melted butter can’t give. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn—the brown bits are pure flavor.
• Try Different Apple Combinations: Mixing apple types gives your crisp more flavor. Use half Granny Smith for tartness and half Honeycrisp for sweetness. The mix creates a nice balance that makes the filling taste amazing.
• Add Extra Flavor: A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet note to your apple filling. Half a teaspoon is enough. You can also stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Always use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is really at 350°F. Many ovens run a little hot or cold, and that small difference can change how your apple crisp turns out.

My Secrets to a Crunchy, Golden Crisp Topping

The secret lies in keeping the butter cold and using the right oat texture.

Cold butter melts slowly in the oven, which makes small pockets of steam inside the topping. That’s what gives it that crisp, golden crunch.

Using old-fashioned oats also helps – they keep their shape and give the topping a nice chew.

Don’t press the topping down hard before baking; leaving it loose makes air pockets that bake up crunchy and light.

One last trick: sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the top before baking. It caramelizes and gives the crust a golden sparkle.

Serving Ideas (Just Like the Cheesecake Factory!)

The Cheesecake Factory knows how to serve their apple crisp, and you can do the same at home.

The classic way is with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

The contrast between hot crisp and cold ice cream creates an amazing experience. The ice cream melts into the warm apples and creates a creamy sauce.

Caramel sauce is another must-have. Drizzle it over the top in zigzag patterns. The caramel adds sweetness and a buttery flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

Whipped cream is a lighter option. Dollop it on top for a fluffy cloud that balances the dense crisp.

Some people like to add chopped pecans or walnuts right before serving for extra crunch.

A dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top makes it look fancy. You can also serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

For special occasions, try serving it in individual ramekins instead of one big dish. This makes it feel more like a restaurant dessert.

However you serve it, make sure it’s still warm from the oven. That’s when it tastes best.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Apple Crisp

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the apples fresh and prevents the topping from getting soggy.

To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warm and crisp again. For a quicker option, use the microwave for 30 seconds, but the oven keeps the topping crunchy.

To freeze, after baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in foil or store it in a freezer-safe dish. It can last up to three months.

Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Recipe FAQs

1. How do I keep the topping crunchy?

Keep the butter cold when mixing and bake the crisp uncovered. Cooling it slightly before covering or storing also helps.

Avoid sealing it right away, as the steam can soften the topping. When reheating, use the oven instead of the microwave to bring back the crunch.

2. Can I make Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day ahead. Keep them in the fridge in sealed containers.

When ready to bake, assemble the dish, then bake fresh. This keeps the topping crunchy and the apples juicy.

3. How do I keep the crumble from getting soggy?

Use firm apples and avoid adding too much liquid. Don’t cover the crisp immediately after baking. Let it cool a bit first.

Also, bake it until the top turns golden brown—this step dries out the topping slightly and keeps it from softening.

4. Can I use other fruits with this recipe?

Yes, you can mix apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure the fruit is not too juicy.

Mixing fruits gives a fresh twist while keeping the classic texture and balance of the Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Recipe.

5. Why did my topping burn?

If your topping is burning, your oven temperature might be too high. Oven temperatures can be different from what the dial says. Use an oven thermometer to check.

If the top is browning too fast, you can loosely place a piece of aluminum foil over the top for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will shield it from direct heat.

6. Is Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp gluten-free?

The original version is not gluten-free because it contains all-purpose flour in the topping.

To make it gluten-free at home, replace the flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture and flavor remain just as good.

This Cheesecake Factory Apple Crisp Recipe is a warm and sweet dessert with soft baked apples and a crunchy topping. The mix of cinnamon, butter, and oats makes every bite cozy and delicious.

It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade apple crisp that tastes just like the one from Cheesecake Factory.