Decadent Olive Garden Apple Praline Cheesecake: A Triple-Threat Dessert

Why choose between apple pie, cheesecake, and praline dessert when you can have all three in one magnificent creation? This copycat Olive Garden Apple Praline Cheesecake combines buttery graham cracker crust, creamy apple-studded cheesecake filling, and a sweet caramelized pecan topping for a dessert that’s sure to impress. When I first recreated this discontinued Olive Garden favorite, it quickly became my most-requested dessert for family gatherings. The layers of flavor and texture create a symphony in every bite, making it perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something truly indulgent.

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What Makes the Olive Garden Apple Praline Cheesecake So Good? 

Choosing what to eat isn’t always easy. And when you’re ordering dessert, it’s even more difficult! Why settle on just one pie when you can have three in one?

This Olive Garden cheesecake combines the decadence of praline pie, the rich creaminess of NY cheesecake, and the sweet-tartness of an apple pie into one slice! There is simply nothing else like it!

Why You Should Try This Recipe 

The magic of this dessert lies in the careful balance of flavors and textures. The slightly tart apples cut through the rich creaminess of the cheesecake base, while the crunchy praline topping provides the perfect contrast to the smooth filling below. By cooking the apples before adding them to the cheesecake mixture, they release their excess moisture and develop a deeper flavor, preventing a watery filling. The praline topping caramelizes during baking, creating a protective layer that eliminates the need for a water bath and prevents surface cracks.

Apple Praline Cheesecake Ingredients

For the Crust

• Graham crackers – Creates a sweet, buttery foundation that complements the apple filling
• Butter – Binds the crumbs together and adds rich flavor
• White sugar – Sweetens the crust and helps it caramelize during baking

For the Apple Filling

• Red Delicious apples – Provides sweet-tart flavor and breaks down beautifully when cooked
• Butter – Helps sauté the apples and develop caramelization
• Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel notes to the filling
• Cinnamon – Contributes warm, classic apple pie flavor
• Nutmeg – Adds subtle aromatic depth and complexity
• Allspice – Provides a hint of clove-like warmth

For the Praline Topping

• Dark brown sugar – Creates deep molasses flavor and helps form the caramelized topping
• Butter – Combines with sugar to form a caramel-like texture
• Pecan pieces – Adds essential nutty crunch and traditional praline flavor

For the Cheesecake Base

• White sugar – Sweetens the filling without adding color
• Cream cheese – Provides the characteristic tangy creaminess
• Eggs – Adds richness and helps the filling set properly
• Heavy whipping cream – Creates silky smooth texture

For Garnish

Whipped cream – Adds lightness and visual appeal to each slice

How to Make Apple Praline Cheesecake

To assemble the crust:

1. Put the graham crackers inside a sealed plastic bag and crush them into crumbles using a rolling pin. 
2. Melt the butter in the microwave. 
3. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir well. 
4. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and press the crumbs on the bottom of the pan to form a flat crust. 
5. Place the crust in the fridge until needed. 

To prepare the apple filling:

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into half-inch pieces. Set aside for later. 
2. Place a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat.
3. Melt the butter in the pot.
4. Add the diced apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the pot. 
5. Simmer until the apples begin to soften. Adjust the temperature and stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning. 
6. Transfer the hot apple filling to a bowl to cool. After they reach room temperature, cover the bowl and chill the apple filling in the fridge until needed. 

To make the praline topping:

1. Take out the butter and let it soften on the countertop. 
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the dark brown sugar, softened butter, and pecan pieces. Set aside for later. 

To put together the cheesecake base:

1. Place the cream cheese on the counter to soften.
2. Put the sugar and softened cream cheese into a bowl. Mix at low speed with a stand or electric mix using a paddle attachment until the sugar is incorporated and the cream cheese gets fluffy. 
3. With the mixer running, add the eggs one at a time. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream, and continue to mix until the cream cheese base is smooth.

4. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and gently fold in the apple filling with a rubber spatula. 

To assemble and bake the apple cheesecake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Carefully pour the cheesecake base on top of the prepared crust. 

3. Gently tap the pan on the counter to flatten the top and eliminate any air bubbles. 
4. Spread the praline topping over the cheesecake layer. 
5. Bake for an hour and twenty minutes in the oven.
6. Let the Apple Praline Cheesecake cool on a wire rack before removing the sides of the pan. 
7. Cover and chill before serving. 

Olive Garden Apple Praline Cheesecake

This decadent dessert combines three favorites in one – creamy cheesecake, spiced apple filling, and crunchy praline topping. A perfect copycat of Olive Garden's discontinued classic!

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apples, Cheesecake Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 483kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter melted

Apple Filling

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 pounds Red Delicious apples peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice

Praline Topping

• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup pecan pieces

Cheesecake

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whipped cream to garnish

Instructions

• To make the crust, combine all the ingredients and mix until thoroughly blended. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
• To make the apple filling, melt the butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer over low heat until the apples are soft but still hold their shape. Let the mixture cool to room temperature and set aside.
• To make the praline topping, mix all the ingredients with a fork in a small bowl until well incorporated. Set aside.
• To make the cheesecake, cream together the sugar and cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth. Add the heavy cream and continue beating until the mixture is thick and creamy. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold in the cooled apple filling.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan, spread the praline topping over the top, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before removing the sides of the pan. Refrigerate until ready to serve and garnish with whipped cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 990IU | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Cheesecake Making Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps
• Gentle Mixing: Mix on low speed to minimize air incorporation
• No Peeking: Keep oven door closed during baking to prevent temperature fluctuations
• Cooling Gradually: Allow cheesecake to cool in turned-off oven with door ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking
• Prebaking Option: For a crisper crust, prebake at 350°F for 10 minutes before filling
• No Water Bath Needed: The praline topping prevents surface cracks

Serving Suggestions

• Offer coffee or hot tea to balance the sweetness
• Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for contrast
• Pair with a small glass of apple brandy or spiced cider for adults

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Refrigeration: Cover tightly and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freezing Method: Cool completely, wrap whole cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Freezer Storage: Keeps well for up to 1 month in freezer
• Thawing Instructions: Thaw overnight in refrigerator or for 2-3 hours at room temperature
• Make-Ahead Timeline: Can be made up to 3 days before serving

More Olive Garden Desserts

• Apple Carmelina
• Cookie Dough Cheesecake
• Italian Lemon Cream Cake
• Peach Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Tiramisu

Favorite Apple Recipes

• Applesauce Cake
• Apple Coffee Cake
• Apple Crisp with Oats
• Apple Spice Cake
• Bisquick Apple Cobbler
• Dutch Apple Pie
• Fried Apples

Check out more of my easy cake recipes and the best copycat Olive Garden recipes on CopyKat!