Why You Must Make This Torte

• A friend and blog subscriber raved about this cream cheese apple torte, which I had bookmarked for years. Clearly, it was meant to be on our menu!
• It’s an ideal autumn dessert, but too delicious to be relegated to just one season!
• A delightful cross between an apple pie and cheesecake, offering the best of both worlds — two desserts in one!

Ingredient Notes

• Kitchen Staples: Sugar, flour, eggs, ground cinnamon.
• Butter: Use salted butter at room temperature for optimal flavor integration.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Vanilla Extract: Always opt for real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Baking Apples: Core, peel, and thinly slice for even baking.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is preferred.
• Sliced Almonds: They add a fantastic crunch; omit them if there are nut allergies.

Expert Tips

Margaret was right; this dessert was a showstopper! With its buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cinnamon-kissed apples, and delightful almond topping, every bite offered an indulgent taste experience. Here are a few insider tips for making your own apple torte:

• Be careful not to overfill your crust with apples, as I did, which required extra baking time. If this occurs, simply cover the top with foil to finish baking until a sharp knife easily pierces the apples. I recommend loosely piling the apples in the pan instead of arranging them in neat circles.
• PRO-Tip: For the best flavor, use a variety of baking apples. In fall, options abound! Tart, sweet, firm, or soft apples all have their place; a combination enhances the flavor. I enjoy Granny Smiths and Golden Delicious apples off-season, but during fall look for Jonathan or Northern Spy. Honey Crisp apples are also great for baking.
• PRO-Tip: If your crust darkens too quickly, cut a circle out of aluminum foil to shield the edges while letting heat reach the filling.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 cups flour

Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 5 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Lemon juice
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and ⅔ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and about ¾ of the way up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and ⅓ cup of sugar until smooth. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing well to combine. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
4. In a large bowl, toss the apples with ⅓ cup sugar and cinnamon until coated. Spoon or neatly arrange the apple mixture over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
5. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 375°F and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the apples are tender.
6. Let the torte cool on a wire rack before removing the rim of the springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Torte?

A torte is a dense and rich cake that typically incorporates little to no flour. Instead, it often includes ground nuts combined with eggs, sugar, extracts, and flavorings for added richness and depth.

What Apples Are Best for Baking?

There are numerous excellent baking apples, and region-specific varieties can work well too. Using a blend of different types offers a more complex flavor profile, so it’s advisable to mix sweet and tart, as well as firm and softer apples. Hallmark combinations include Granny Smith and Golden Delicious; Northern Spy is also a beloved baking apple.

How Do You Know When an Apple Torte or Other Apple Dessert is Done?

To ensure doneness, gently pierce a few apples with a sharp knife. If the knife slides through easily and the crust is golden-brown, the dessert will likely be ready.

How Do You Serve this Apple Torte Recipe?

This rich torte is delightful served as a simple slice. For extra indulgence, you can top it with sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness.

How Do You Store an Apple Torte?

Due to its cream cheese content, it’s best to store the torte in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Allow it to sit out for about an hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.