A simple, no rest, no bake cheesecake (in a jar)
If you have a few apples at home and are craving something sweet, this recipe is a great choice. Apple Cheesecake in a Jar is simple to make and doesn’t require a long chilling time or any complicated assembly.
Here are a few reasons why we love it:
- quick and easy to prepare
- a perfect dessert for fall and winter
- the cheesecake cream is light, fresh, and creamy
- the stewed apples are soft, juicy, and fragrant
- caramelized bread adds a delicious crunchy texture
- it looks beautiful served in individual glasses
- it’s a great way to use up leftover bread
- it can be served immediately after assembling
What really makes this recipe stand out are the sweet caramelized bread cubes. Instead of a classic cookie crust, the bread is first toasted until crisp, then coated in a buttery mixture of sugar and cinnamon. The result is somewhere between sweet croutons and a crunchy crumble, adding the perfect contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling and soft apples.
Top 5 tips and tricks
Follow these five tips to make this dessert even easier and more successful at home.
1. Choose apples that hold their shape while cooking. Firm apples work best for this recipe, as they won’t immediately turn into applesauce as they cook. Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, or Pink Lady are all excellent choices.
2. Don’t overcook the apples. Cook them just until tender while still holding their shape. If you cook them for too long, they will turn into applesauce and the dessert will lose that pleasant bit of texture.
3. Toast the bread well. Before caramelizing, the bread should be completely dry and crisp. This helps it absorb the caramel while staying crunchy for longer once the dessert is assembled.
4. Let everything cool before layering. Warm apples or bread would quickly heat the cheesecake cream and affect its texture. The crunchy bread would also soften more quickly from the heat and moisture. Always let the apples and bread cool completely before assembling the dessert.
5. Add the caramelized bread just before serving. For the best contrast between the creamy cheesecake filling, juicy apples, and crunchy bread, assemble the dessert shortly before serving.
If you’re preparing it ahead of time, reserve the final layer of caramelized bread and add it just before serving.
Storing
This dessert is best served immediately. If you have already assembled the Apple Cheesecake in a Jar, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the caramelized bread will gradually soften as it absorbs moisture from the cheesecake cream and apples. For the best texture, we recommend storing the individual components separately.
Cheesecake cream: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Stewed apples: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Caramelized bread: Once completely cooled, transfer to an airtight container and store in a dry place at room temperature for about 2–3 days.
We do not recommend freezing the assembled dessert.
How to make Apple Cheesecake in a Jar (video)
Check this short video to master the recipe at home.
Next, try these cheesecake recipes
METHOD
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bake the croutons
Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 210°C / 410°F (fan-assisted). Cut the bread into small 1 x 1 cm (½-inch) cubes and transfer them to a large baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until crisp and lightly golden.
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cook the apples
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small 1 x 1 cm (½-inch) cubes. Place a large skillet with the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the apples, sugar, and spices. Stir and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape and have a little texture. If needed, add up to 50 ml (3 tablespoons) of water while cooking to keep them juicy. Remove from the heat and let them cool completely.
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caramelized croutons
Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the sugar and let it begin to dissolve. Add the crispy bread cubes and toss well to coat them evenly in the caramel. Reduce the heat and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread is nicely caramelized and golden. Add the ground cinnamon and stir to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat. Let the caramelized bread cool completely.
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cream
In a bowl, combine the skyr, smooth cottage cheese, and vanilla sugar. Blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until completely smooth and creamy.
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fill the jars
You will need four serving glasses. Spoon a few tablespoons of the cheesecake cream into the bottom of each glass. Add a spoonful of stewed apples and a few sweet croutons. Repeat with another layer of cheesecake cream, apples, and croutons to create a layered dessert. Serve immediately—no chilling or resting time is needed.
