Dreamy Apple Swirl Cake

As seen on: Delicious Dessert Recipes

This simple fridge-set cheesecake mixes velvety filling with apple butter twists in a spiced graham crumb foundation.
emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Thu, 01 May 2025 18:01:57 GMT
A wedge of cheesecake showing fluffy filling with caramel swirls served on a dark dish. Save this
A wedge of cheesecake showing fluffy filling with caramel swirls served on a dark dish. | emilyscooks.com

My entire house smells wonderful whenever I whip up these biscuits. Something magical happens as they bathe in that rich butter, creating an amazingly crunchy exterior while staying incredibly soft inside. You'll get why they've become a treasured staple in my house after just one taste.

Straight From My Family's Table

I found this gem folded inside my grandma's old recipe collection right from her Texas cooking space. Those stains on the faded card tell tales of so many family get-togethers. Now it brings that exact same coziness to my cooking area and I'm so happy to pass it along to you.

Kitchen Essentials You'll Want

Baking Together Step By Step

Why They Turn Out So Soft

Buttermilk works like magic for these biscuits. It adds that tiny bit of tang and makes them unbelievably soft. If you're all out of buttermilk, don't stress - just mix regular milk with a little lemon juice, wait 5 minutes and you're all set.

A slice of cheesecake with a marbled caramel topping is displayed on a black plate, revealing a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust. Save this
A slice of cheesecake with a marbled caramel topping is displayed on a black plate, revealing a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust. | emilyscooks.com

Tasty Ways To Enjoy Them

These biscuits taste best right out of the oven while they're still warm. We can't get enough of them with honey drizzled on top, covered in sweet jam, or just with a pat of butter. They're also fantastic for mopping up the last drops of soup or topped with my grandma's special sausage gravy.

How To Store Properly

Make sure your biscuits cool all the way down on the counter even though you'll want to eat them right away. After cooling, wrap them up tight in foil. They'll stay good at room temp or in the refrigerator. When you want to eat them again, just warm them in the oven till they're soft and cozy.

Freeze For Later Meals

Making extra biscuits for freezing is one of my top kitchen tricks. Cover them well with foil or plastic and stick them in a freezer bag. They'll stay good for two months. When you need them, just heat them from frozen in a warm oven until they're soft and steaming.

Try New Flavors

I often get playful with my biscuits and you can too. Try adding sharp cheddar and fresh herbs or putting cinnamon sugar on top before they go in the oven. My kids go crazy when I add a bit of garlic powder and parmesan - it's like having homemade breadsticks.

Family Meal Centerpiece

These biscuits make any meal feel extra special. I grab them for weekend morning meals, holiday dinners, or just when we need some comfort food. That smell of butter and fresh bread pulls everyone into the kitchen every time.

A slice of cheesecake with a caramel topping on a black plate, showcasing a graham cracker crust. Save this
A slice of cheesecake with a caramel topping on a black plate, showcasing a graham cracker crust. | emilyscooks.com

Busy Morning Lifesaver

I'm always thankful when I set these up the night before. Just mix the dough, cover the pan and stick it in the fridge. Come morning, just bake and dig in. It's my go-to trick for easy holiday breakfasts and weekend guests.

Kid-Friendly Size

My kids enjoy making these biscuits almost as much as eating them. We build fun sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly or honey butter. They fit perfectly in small hands and make the greatest after-school snack.

Options For No-Gluten Needs

When my closest friend went gluten-free, I tried hard to make a version she could eat. Just use your go-to gluten-free flour mix that already has xanthan gum. You might need to tweak the wet ingredients but they still come out super soft and tasty.

How To Get That Brown Bottom

Wanna know what makes these biscuits so remarkable? It's all in how the butter gathers at the bottom of the dish. Be sure melted butter touches every bit before adding your dough. That's what gives you that beautiful brown crispy bottom everyone fights to get.

For Your Sweet Cravings

When we want something sweet, I toss extra sugar in the dough and finish with a basic glaze. Just mix powdered sugar with a dash of cream and vanilla, pour it over warm biscuits and watch them vanish. It's like having fresh-baked pastries.

A top view of a cheesecake with a glossy chocolate swirl pattern on a graham cracker crust, placed on a wooden serving board. Save this
A top view of a cheesecake with a glossy chocolate swirl pattern on a graham cracker crust, placed on a wooden serving board. | emilyscooks.com

When Company Comes Over

Got the whole gang coming? This recipe grows easily. I just grab my largest baking dish or use two different pans. Whatever you do, make plenty - everyone always wants more of these gorgeous treats.

Reviving Day-Old Biscuits

When you're ready to eat leftover biscuits, warm your oven to 300 degrees. Usually ten minutes does the trick - they'll taste freshly baked again. All that butter in the dough keeps them moist even when warmed up later.

Drink Pairings

My day doesn't feel right without a warm biscuit and coffee. They go just as well with afternoon tea or cold milk. That buttery goodness matches perfectly with any drink, hot or cold, sweet or plain.

Outdoor Cooking Star

Would you believe these biscuits rock at camping trips? I combine the dry stuff at home then add wet ingredients at the campsite. Cook them in a cast iron pan over the fire and everyone gathers around. Fresh biscuits taste amazing in the wilderness.

Creating Family Traditions

These biscuits aren't just food - they're woven into our family story. From quick morning meals to holiday gatherings, they've shown up for countless moments. I think about all the happiness and care shared at our table whenever I make them.

A slice of cheesecake with a glossy caramel topping and decorative apple slices, sitting on a dark plate. Save this
A slice of cheesecake with a glossy caramel topping and decorative apple slices, sitting on a dark plate. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why skip the baking?
Fridge-set cheesecake is simpler to throw together and gives you a more airy, light result than oven versions.
→ Can I fix this beforehand?
Absolutely, it needs about 6 hours to firm up but you can make it a full day early and keep it cold.
→ Why must all crumbs get buttered?
When butter touches every crumb, your base stays intact better since the fat works as a binding agent.
→ Can I use ready-made crust?
Sure thing, but making your own with added cinnamon really bumps up the taste and feel.
→ How do I cut it neatly?
Make sure it's totally cold and dip your knife in hot water between slices, wiping it clean each time.

Apple Cake Without Baking

A fridge-set cheesecake with graham crumbs and silky mixture twirled with apple butter - ideal when autumn comes.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
~
Overall Time
15 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 12 Portions (1 9-inch cake)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items FOR THE BASE:
02 items 2 cups (204 g) crushed graham cookies
03 items ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 items ½ cup (113 g) melted unsalted butter
05 items FOR THE MIXTURE:
06 items 16 ounces softened cream cheese
07 items 1 cup (200 g) white sugar
08 items 2 cups (476 g) whipping cream
09 items ¾ teaspoon squeezed lemon juice
10 items ½ cup (120 g) apple spread

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Give your 9-inch springform pan a quick coat of cooking spray

Step 02

Combine cookie crumbs and cinnamon with the butter you melted. Push firmly into your pan and pop in the fridge

Step 03

Mix the cream cheese with sugar until it's creamy. Pour in your cream and lemon juice, then whip until light

Step 04

Dump the mixture onto your chilled base. Add small spoonfuls of apple spread on top and gently create swirls

Step 05

Let it sit in your fridge at least 6 hours but overnight works better for a solid cake

Extra Notes

  1. Takes at least 6 hours to firm up
  2. You can make this a day before serving
  3. Doesn't need any oven time

Essential Tools

  • A 9-inch springform cake pan
  • Electric or manual mixer
  • Flat spreading knife

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cream cheese and whipping cream
  • Has wheat in the graham cookies

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 427
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Total Carbs: ~
  • Protein Content: ~