Cheesecake Pie: Why Didn't We Think of This Earlier?!
Pie crust as the base of a cheesecake is popular in some places, but not nearly as common as it could (and should) be!
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Using a springform pan allows for the typical lofty custard while allowing for the pie crust to go all the way up the sides.
Cider cheesecake pie. Also known as our dream come true. (Photo: Alpha Smoot/Food52)
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Instead of a classic cheesecake, I took a note from my favorite apple pie, adding cider, cinnamon, and a little nutmeg into the mix. The finished cheesecake is silky-smooth, super rich, and, best of all, there’s pie crust involved.
Related: 6 Pies That Are Anything but Humble
Makes one 9-inch pie
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, cubed
Ice water, as needed
Egg wash, as needed
For the filling:
24 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 to 2 grates fresh nutmeg
3 eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup boiled cider (available from King Arthur; thawed apple juice concentrate will work in a pinch)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the optional finish:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
Juice of 1 lemon
2 apples, halved, cored, and thinly sliced
Preheat the oven to 425° F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and place it on a baking sheet.
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the flour, salt, and cinnamon to combine. Add the butter and pulse until it’s the size of peas. Remove the mixture and transfer to a medium bowl.
Use a fork to mix in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼- to 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the springform pan and work carefully to make sure it’s nestled all the way down to the base. Chill thoroughly; 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer is best.
Dock the frozen dough all over with a fork. Place a square of parchment over the pie and fill with pie weights. Bake until just beginning to brown at the edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pie weights, brush the base of the dough with egg wash, and return to the oven for 5 minutes more. Take the pie out of the oven and cool the crust completely. Reduce oven temperature to 350° F.
In the bowl of a food processor, purée the cream cheese, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine. Add the eggs and mix until smooth. Add the cream, cider, and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated.
Pour the filling into the cooled crust, and bake until the custard is just set, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely.
While the pie cools, you can make the (totally optional) garnish. Bring the sugar, water, and lemon juice to a boil in a small pot. Add the apples (you may need to work in batches), and simmer for about 1 minute. Lay out on absorbent paper towels to drain.
Layer the apples on top of the finished cheesecake pie.
More on Food52:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie: What Dreams are Made Of
How to Make a Pie Inspired By Ferrero Rocher
How to Turn a Mallomar into a Pie
By Erin McDowell.
