If you’re a fan of traditional apple crumble and cheesecake, this Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds into one showstopping dessert. With a crunchy, buttery crumble topping, soft baked apples, and a smooth, tangy cheesecake filling, it’s the perfect dessert for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy treat. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a special occasion, or just a weekend indulgence, this apple crumble cheesecake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The cheesecake has multiple layers of textures and flavors, starting with a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon apples, and a sweet crumble topping. Each bite offers a rich, creamy, and slightly spiced experience that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into the recipe and tips on how to create this delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Cheesecake
- Combines Two Classic Desserts: It’s a perfect blend of the comforting flavors of apple crumble with the smooth, tangy richness of cheesecake.
- Perfect Fall Dessert: The flavors of apple and cinnamon make this a perfect dessert for fall, but it’s great all year round!
- Texture Heaven: The creamy cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crumble topping and soft apples, creating a well-balanced dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Cheesecakes always benefit from being made ahead of time, which makes this a perfect option for entertaining or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until the apples are well coated.
Arrange the apples evenly over the cheesecake filling. You can fan them out for a decorative look or simply scatter them across the surface.
4. Make the Crumble Topping
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, ensuring full coverage.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath will help prevent cracks in your cheesecake as it bakes.
Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set and the crumble topping is golden brown. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan.
Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gentle cooling process prevents the cheesecake from cracking.
After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath. Let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and set, carefully run a knife around the edge of the springform pan to release the sides. Remove the springform ring and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
Slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts to ensure neat slices. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great option for this recipe because their tartness complements the sweetness of the cheesecake filling and crumble. Honeycrisp apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter apple.
- Prevent Soggy Crumble: Make sure your butter is cold when making the crumble topping. Cold butter will help create a crumbly texture instead of a soggy topping.
- Water Bath Method: The water bath helps ensure a crack-free cheesecake. If you don’t have a large roasting pan, you can place a pan of water on the rack below the cheesecake instead.
- Chill Overnight: Cheesecake needs time to set properly, so don’t skip the chilling step. Letting it sit in the fridge overnight will give you the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers, and use a gluten-free flour blend for the crumble topping.
- Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cheesecake just before serving for an extra decadent dessert.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Apple Cheesecake: Amp up the spice factor by adding a bit of ground nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling or crumble topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the crumble will stay crisp.
- Freezing: You can freeze this cheesecake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Make-Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance, making it a great option for entertaining. The flavors improve after a day of chilling!
Flavor Profile
This cheesecake has the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. The smooth, rich cheesecake filling is complemented by the tender spiced apples and the buttery, crisp crumble topping. The cinnamon and brown sugar give it a warm, comforting flavor, while the tart apples add a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
The combination of flavors makes this dessert a must for any fall or holiday gathering, but it’s also a fantastic year-round treat when you’re in the mood for something special.
Difficulty Level
This recipe is intermediate. While the steps are easy to follow, there are multiple components (crust, filling, apple layer, and crumble topping) that require some time and attention. However, with patience and care, even novice bakers can achieve stunning results.
Wine & Beverage Pairings
- Sparkling Wine: A glass of sparkling wine or Champagne will balance the richness of the cheesecake with its bright, effervescent flavors.
- Apple Cider: Hot or cold apple cider makes a perfect fall pairing with this cheesecake, especially if you want to stick to the apple theme.
- Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee or a strong espresso will complement the creamy, sweet notes of the cheesecake while adding a bit of bitterness to balance the flavors.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea will mirror the cinnamon in the apple crumble topping, creating a cozy, autumnal pairing.
