Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Easy Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic Dessert

Sweet apple crumble cheesecake promises a delightful fusion of classic dessert flavors that dance together in perfect harmony.

Creamy cheesecake layers intertwine with warm, spiced apple notes, creating a luxurious texture that melts seamlessly on your palate.

Crisp buttery crumble topping adds a delectable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky smooth filling beneath.

Seasonal ingredients reinvent this dessert into a comforting experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts will adore the sophisticated yet approachable nature of this delectable treat.

Each bite tells a story of culinary creativity, blending traditional apple pie essence with modern cheesecake decadence.

Rich, indulgent, and remarkably simple to craft, this dessert guarantees impressed guests and satisfied sweet tooths.

Why Apple Crumble Cheesecake Is Always a Good Idea

  • Craft a Cozy Autumn Dessert: This apple crumble cheesecake blends the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy cheesecake, creating a comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every delightful bite.
  • Master the Perfect Texture Symphony: The recipe expertly layers crisp cookie crust, velvety smooth cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and crumbly topping, delivering a multi-dimensional mouthfeel that keeps taste buds excited with each forkful.
  • Impress with Professional Baking Techniques: The water bath method ensures a silky-smooth cheesecake without cracks, while the careful cooling process guarantees a professional-quality dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Despite its impressive appearance, the recipe breaks down complex steps into simple, manageable instructions, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels who want to create a show-stopping dessert.

What You Need to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Cookie Crust Ingredients:
  • Digestive Crackers, Graham Crackers: Classic cookies that form a delicious, crumbly base with a hint of sweetness and texture..
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps bind the crust together with a rich caramel-like taste..
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that provide a cozy, aromatic undertone to the crust..
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a rich, smooth foundation..
Apple and Crumble Ingredients:
  • Apples: Fresh, firm baking apples that hold their shape and provide a tart, juicy element to the dessert..
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and helps create a light syrup..
  • Cinnamon: Classic spice that complements the apple's natural flavor..
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crumbly, streusel-like topping with a tender texture..
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the crumble topping..
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumble mixture..
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary base that creates a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture..
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese..
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a silky, rich texture to the filling..
  • Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking..
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic,.

How to Put Together This Creamy, Crumbly Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Crust Foundation

Preheat oven to 160ºC (325ºF). Grab a food processor and combine:
  • Digestive crackers
  • Graham crackers
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Blend until fine crumbs form. Pour melted butter and blend again. Press mixture firmly into a 22 cm (9-inch) springform pan, pushing slightly up sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Create Apple Mixture

Dice apples and toss with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cinnamon

Let sit and drain excess liquid.

Step 3: Mix Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter

Mix until coarse crumbs develop.

Step 4: Craft Cheesecake Filling

Preheat oven again to 160ºC (325ºF). In a large mixer, beat cream cheese on low speed for one minute. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until smooth. In another bowl, whisk sour cream and cornstarch until blended. Add to cream cheese mixture with vanilla extract. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

Step 5: Assemble Delightful Layers

Pour cheesecake batter into cooled crust. Scatter apple cubes across surface. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly.

Step 6: Create Water Bath

Wrap springform pan in triple aluminum foil layers. Place inside larger roasting pan. Fill with hot water until it reaches two-thirds up the pan sides.

Step 7: Bake Perfectly

Bake for 1 hour 20-30 minutes. Cheesecake should have a slight center wobble.

Step 8: Slow Cool Process

Turn off oven, crack door slightly. Let cheesecake rest inside for one hour. Remove from water bath. Allow to cool at room temperature for another hour.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cheesecake for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight. Slice and enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips for a Smooth Cheesecake and Crunchy Topping

  • Prevent Cracking Secrets: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to create a gentle, even heat that prevents surface cracks and ensures a silky smooth texture.
  • Apple Moisture Management: Drain excess liquid from diced apples to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain the crust's delightful crispness.
  • Gentle Mixing Magic: Beat cream cheese on low speed and add eggs one at a time to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause unsightly surface cracks.
  • Temperature Transition Technique: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly open, then cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
  • Crumble Perfection Hack: Create coarse crumbs for the topping by using cold butter and mixing just until the mixture looks like rough sand for maximum crumbly texture.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Crumble Cheesecake

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Slice the cheesecake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid reheating, as it can affect the creamy texture.

What Pairs Nicely with Apple Crumble Cheesecake

  • Brew Cozy Comfort: Pair this rich Apple Crumble Cheesecake with a warm chai latte or spiced apple tea to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
  • Sip Sweet Harmony: A crisp Riesling or moscato wine will balance the dessert's creamy texture and enhance its sweet apple notes, creating a delightful flavor experience.
  • Scoop Creamy Contrast: Serve a small dollop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cheesecake to provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm spices and crumbly texture.
  • Drizzle Caramel Decadence: Add a light caramel sauce or salted caramel drizzle over the slice to elevate the dessert's complexity and bring out deeper, richer undertones.

Easy Ways to Change Up This Cheesecake Recipe

  • Caramel Apple Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkle toasted pecans on top for extra richness and crunch.
  • Maple Walnut Fusion: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup in the filling and add chopped walnuts to the crumble topping for a warm, nutty flavor profile.
  • Rustic Spiced Pear Remix: Substitute apples with pears and add ground cardamom and ginger to the spice mix for a unique autumnal variation that celebrates seasonal produce.
  • Berry Swirl Edition: Create a raspberry or blackberry compote and gently swirl it through the cheesecake batter before adding the apple topping for a vibrant, tangy contrast.
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent apple crumble cheesecake marries classic American dessert traditions with creamy cheesecake elegance. Sweet cinnamon-spiced apples nestled over rich cream cheese create a luxurious fusion that promises pure comfort with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 600 g cream cheese, full fat, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 150 g sour cream (18%), room temperature
  • 200 g granulated sugar

Fruit and Spices:

  • 150 g apples (12 apples), diced small
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Cookie Crust and Crumble:

  • 200 g digestive or graham crackers
  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 80 g brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 120 g butter, room temperature and melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Craft a fine sandy texture by pulverizing graham crackers with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a food processor.
  2. Incorporate melted butter into the cracker mixture until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Press the fragrant crumb mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating an even base and slight sidewall coverage.
  4. Toast the crust in a preheated oven until lightly golden, then set aside to cool completely.
  5. Prepare apple cubes and delicately coat them with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, allowing excess liquid to drain.
  6. Create a rustic crumble by combining flour, brown sugar, and butter until achieving a coarse, pebble-like consistency.
  7. Whip cream cheese at low speed until smooth and creamy, gradually introducing granulated sugar.
  8. Blend sour cream and cornstarch in a separate bowl until perfectly uniform.
  9. Merge the sour cream mixture with cream cheese, adding vanilla extract and mixing thoroughly.
  10. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a silky texture.
  11. Pour the luxurious cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
  12. Distribute cinnamon-kissed apple pieces evenly across the surface.
  13. Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apples, covering the entire cheesecake.
  14. Create a protective water bath by nestling the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water.
  15. Bake until the center maintains a delicate wobble, indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
  16. Allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven with the door slightly ajar, gradually cooling for one hour.
  17. Remove from the water bath and let it reach room temperature.
  18. Refrigerate for a minimum of six hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Take time to drain apple liquid to prevent a soggy cheesecake base, ensuring a crisp and stable crust.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Wrap the springform pan carefully with foil to prevent water from seeping into the delicate cheesecake during the water bath.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracking and maintain a silky texture.
  • Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor development and firm, creamy consistency.
  • The water bath method helps create an even, gentle heat that prevents the cheesecake from becoming dry or cracked.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 423
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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