Name: Irresistible Apple Crumble Cheesecake to Satisfy Your Cravings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 390 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (Can substitute with digestive biscuits.); 0.25 cups granulated sugar (Caster sugar can be used.); 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (Melted.); 24 ounces cream cheese (Room temperature.); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs (Room-temperature, lightly beaten.); 3 tablespoons cornstarch (Can substitute with flour.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4-5 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.); 0.5 cups brown sugar (Can substitute with white sugar.); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 pinch nutmeg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup rolled oats (Quick oats can be used.); 0.5 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour.); 0.25 cups brown sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (Melted.)

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As the seasons shift and a crispness fills the air, the magic of autumn invites us to embrace comforting treats. This Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible creation, blending the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced goodness of apple pie. With its buttery graham cracker crust and a crunchy crumble topping, this recipe offers a delightful way to savor fall’s flavors while impressing your friends and family. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser perfect for festive gatherings, but it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up—ideal for those of us who love homemade delights but are short on time. Are you ready to dive into this creamy, dreamy dessert that captures the essence of the season?

Why is this Apple Crumble Cheesecake irresistible?

Heavenly Combination: This cheesecake perfectly merges creamy cheesecake and spiced apple filling into a dessert that offers both comfort and indulgence.

Time-Saving Delight: Minimal prep time and simple steps mean you can create this delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether at a family gathering or a festive celebration, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds—just like our Berry Peach Cheesecake will!

Texture Harmony: Each bite features a buttery crust, luscious cheese layer, and crunchy crumble that makes it simply irresistible.

Customizable Goodness: Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings, like adding nuts to the crumble or swapping apples for pears for a unique twist! Enjoy this delightful dessert that brings a seasonal warmth, similar to our Blueberry Cheesecake Bars for a fresh spin on classic flavors.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Ingredients

• The following ingredients are key to creating a delicious Apple Crumble Cheesecake that your loved ones will adore.

For the Crust

Graham Crackers – Perfect for a buttery crust base; you can substitute with digestive biscuits for a similar crunch.
Unsalted Butter – Binds both the crust and crumble together; use melted for easier mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust and cheesecake; caster sugar can be a great alternative.
Cinnamon – Adds warm spice, essential for flavor depth in both the crust and apple filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese – The heart of the cheesecake; opt for full-fat and bring it to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
Sour Cream – Balances the richness with a touch of tang; ensure it’s well-blended for best results.
Eggs – Acts as a binder for the cheesecake filling; use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
Cornstarch – Stabilizes the filling for a smooth texture; flour can serve as a substitute if needed.

For the Apple Filling

Apples – Provides the delicious apple pie flavor; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties are perfect for contrast.
Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness with caramel notes; feel free to swap with white sugar if necessary.
Nutmeg – Complements the apples with aromatic warmth.
Lemon Juice – Prevents apple browning while enhancing overall flavor.

For the Crumble Topping

Rolled Oats – Adds chewiness to the crumble; quick oats can create a finer texture.
Flour (All-Purpose) – Essential for that crumbly topping; can easily be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

With these ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from creating a truly indulgent Apple Crumble Cheesecake that beautifully captures the essence of autumn!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep Apple Filling
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing 4-5 apples into thin pieces. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat, then add the apples along with ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are fork-tender, then stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour in 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan to create a compact crust. Bake for 7-8 minutes until golden, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Next, incorporate two lightly beaten eggs, one at a time, ensuring not to overmix. Finally, sift in 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and gently fold it into the mixture until just combined for your Apple Crumble Cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Assemble Layers
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Next, carefully layer the prepared apple filling over the cheesecake, ensuring it’s spread out evenly. Top this with the remaining cheesecake batter, smoothing the surface with a spatula. The layers create a delightful surprise when slicing into your Apple Crumble Cheesecake.

Step 5: Add Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of flour, and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Add 6 tablespoons of melted butter and mix until a crumbly texture forms. Sprinkle this crumble mixture generously over the top of the cheesecake layers, ensuring it covers evenly to create a satisfying crunch once baked.

Step 6: Bake
Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake the Apple Crumble Cheesecake for about 60 minutes. The edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly. Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1-2 hours—this helps prevent cracks and stabilizes the filling.

Step 7: Chill
After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 5 hours or, preferably, overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set fully. Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before cutting into slices of this delightful Apple Crumble Cheesecake, ready to share with friends and family.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own—there are endless ways to elevate your Apple Crumble Cheesecake!

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a delicious, inclusive treat.
Fruit Swap: Experiment with pears instead of apples for a delightful change of flavor. The sweet juiciness of pears brings a different but equally charming twist!
Nuts Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It’s a great way to enhance the texture and flavor profile.
Flavor Variations: Toss in some citrus zests like lemon or orange for a refreshing aromatic touch to the cheesecake. The brightness of citrus beautifully contrasts with the rich flavors!
Crumble Base: Try using biscoff cookies instead of graham crackers to introduce a spiced sweetness to the crust. The caramel flavors perfectly complement the apple filling.
Caramel Infusion: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the cheesecake filling for an extra layer of decadence. It creates a luscious experience that every bite will savor!
Spiced Up: Stir in some chopped pecans with a pinch of cayenne pepper into the apple filling for a subtle heat that might surprise your taste buds in the best way!
Vegan Twist: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use flax eggs, and coconut whipped cream for a plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.

These ideas will allow your Apple Crumble Cheesecake to feel fresh and unique every time you bake it. Looking for more ways to get inspired? Check out our Churro Cheesecake Indulge or our fan-favorite Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake for delightful variations and flavor combinations!

What to Serve with Apple Crumble Cheesecake

As you prepare to delight in your homemade dessert, consider the perfect accompaniments that elevate your meal into a memorable experience.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast that beautifully complements the cheesecake’s richness.
Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or a mixed berry compote can brighten the plate, lending a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling extra caramel over each slice intensifies the dessert’s indulgent nature while providing a glossy, visually appealing finish.

A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs splendidly as a beverage—you’ll want to experience those seasonal flavors in every sip!

Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into every slice, offering a milky complement to the spiced apple layers and buttery crust.

Lastly, consider a side of toasted nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be scattered on top for a crunchy texture that enhances the crumble topping, making this Apple Crumble Cheesecake a well-rounded treat!

Expert Tips for Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a lump-free, creamy texture for the cheesecake filling.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding eggs to the filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks in your Apple Crumble Cheesecake.
Cooling is Key: Allow the apple filling to cool completely before layering it with the cheesecake batter. This helps to prevent the filling from destabilizing your cheesecake.
Crust Pressure: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan. This ensures a sturdy base that won’t crumble when serving.
Monitor Baking: Keep a close eye on the cheesecake while it’s baking. If overbaked, it can become dry and crack. The center should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
Chill Time Matters: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your Apple Crumble Cheesecake for at least 5 hours, or overnight if possible. Enjoy the wait—it will be worth it!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Fridge: Store the Apple Crumble Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after resting, making it even more delightful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating: When ready to serve, gently reheat the cheesecake in a warm oven (around 250°F) for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly if desired.
Serving Tip: Drizzle with fresh caramel sauce after thawing to enhance its rich and comforting flavors, perfect for that homemade feel!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing this Apple Crumble Cheesecake in advance is a great way to save time and ensure a scrumptious dessert is ready for any occasion! You can make the apple filling and crumble topping up to 3 days ahead; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The crust can also be pre-baked and stored for up to 24 hours before assembling. When you’re ready to serve, just layer the cheesecake filling over the crust, add the cooled apple filling, and top with the crumble. After baking, allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 5 hours or overnight for the best flavors. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert with minimal last-minute effort!

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe FAQs

What type of apples should I use for the filling?
I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, as they provide a wonderful flavor contrast with their tartness against the sweet filling. Look for firm apples without dark spots, which indicate overripeness.

How can I store leftover Apple Crumble Cheesecake?
Store the cheesecake covered in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually deepen and improve after a day or two, making each slice tastier!

Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cheesecake?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To thaw, just leave them in the refrigerator overnight, then drizzle with fresh caramel sauce before serving for that freshly-made taste.

What should I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking?
Don’t worry! This can happen, especially if it’s overbaked. To prevent future cracks, avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs, use room-temperature ingredients, and keep an eye on baking time—remove it while the center still jiggles slightly. Cooling it gradually in the oven can also help stabilize the texture.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make a gluten-free version by swapping the graham crackers for gluten-free alternatives or even using crushed cookies like almond or oat-based options. Just ensure the oats are certified gluten-free for the crumble topping.

Can I use other ingredients to customize the crumble topping?
Certainly! Feel free to stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. You can also play around with spices like ginger or add a sprinkle of citrus zest to enhance the flavor. Enjoy experimenting!