Description
This comforting no bake dessert combines a buttery biscuit base, creamy cheesecake filling, and spiced caramel apple topping. It’s fuss-free, make-ahead, and perfect for cozy gatherings or busy days when you want homemade sweetness without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 7 oz digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed (about 200g)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (about 75g)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 2 medium apples (about 9 oz), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (about 50g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water (about 60ml)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (about 250g)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, cold (about 150ml)
- 1/3 cup sour cream (about 80g)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (about 60g, or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: extra apple slices, caramel sauce, chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, whipped cream
Instructions
- Crush digestive biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin.
- Mix crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Press firmly into a lined 8-inch square pan to form an even layer. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add cornstarch and water, stir well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and sauce thickens. Let cool to room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sour cream and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the cooled apple mixture over the chilled biscuit base.
- Spoon cheesecake filling evenly on top and smooth the surface.
- Dollop remaining apple mixture over the cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled look (optional).
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Lift the slice out using parchment edges. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.
- Top with caramel sauce, extra apple slices, or chopped nuts if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill the slice overnight for a firmer texture. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling. Gluten-free biscuits can be substituted for a gluten-free version. Apples can be swapped for pears or berries. If the slice is too soft, freeze for 20 minutes before cutting. The dessert keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no bake, apple pie, cheesecake, dessert, easy, make ahead, comfort food, fall, autumn, potluck, creamy, caramel, biscuit base