As soon as you slice into this Apple Crumble Cheesecake, you’ll discover a tapestry of flavors and textures that feels like a cozy embrace. The base is a buttery, crunchy biscuit crust that gives way to a luxuriously smooth cheesecake layer, enriched with tangy sour cream and kissed by sweet bursts of vanilla. Tucked between the creamy filling and the crumble topping, tender apple slices caramelized in brown sugar and warm spices add depth and nostalgia—like your favorite fall memories wrapped up in a single dessert. Every forkful blends silky, spiced, and crunchy elements, making this cheesecake an irresistible treat for weekend gatherings or a special weeknight indulgence.
This cheesecake recipe has an Intermediate difficulty level but is surprisingly approachable, taking just 30 minutes to prepare, about an hour to bake, and at least 4 hours of rest time (overnight if you can wait that long!). With roughly 450 calories per serving (assuming 12 slices), it’s a decadent course that feels just right for a holiday table or a cozy family dessert. A scrumptious blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crunchy crumble will wow your guests—and each bite truly is pure bliss!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
Before diving into the kitchen, it helps to know the building blocks that make up this dessert. From the crispy base to the gooey apple layer and crumbly topping, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.
- Digestive biscuits or graham crackers
These crushed biscuits form the sturdy, golden crust. Their slightly sweet, toasty crunch provides the ideal foundation for the creamy filling and keeps everything neat when slicing.
- Unsalted butter
Melted and mixed with the crumbs, this butter binds the crust and the crumble topping together. It also adds a rich, slightly savory note that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
- Cream cheese
The heart of the cheesecake, soft cream cheese delivers a velvety texture and tangy richness. It’s essential to beat it until perfectly smooth to avoid lumps.
- Granulated sugar
This fine sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling and helps it set with a silky consistency, balancing the tang of the cheese.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warm, fragrant undertones that elevate the entire flavor profile without overpowering the other elements.
- Large eggs
Eggs provide structure and a custardy richness. Adding them one at a time ensures they blend smoothly, preventing overmixing.
- Sour cream
Introduces a subtle tang and extra creaminess, making the cheesecake light on the palate and helping prevent cracks as it bakes.
- Apples
Thinly sliced apples—preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—bring bright, fresh fruitiness. When cooked with spices and sugar, they soften into a luscious layer.
- Brown sugar
Used in both the apple filling and the crumble, brown sugar adds molasses notes and helps the topping achieve those perfect golden-brown pockets.
- Ground cinnamon
This warming spice complements the apples beautifully, weaving a cozy, autumnal aroma throughout the cheesecake.
- Nutmeg
Just a pinch deepens the spice profile, adding subtle complexity and warmth to the apple layer.
- All-purpose flour
Gives the crumble topping structure, ensuring it clings together in delightful clusters.
- Oats
Rolled oats contribute texture and chew, making each crumbly bite satisfying and rustic.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
This step-by-step guide walks you through assembling every layer of your Apple Crumble Cheesecake, ensuring you nail the crust, cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and buttery crumble topping with ease.
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper for effortless removal later.
2. Prepare the crust by combining crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers with melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the filling.
3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Fold in the sour cream until the batter is silky.
4. Assemble the layers by pouring the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
5. Cook the apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter for the apple filling. Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before carefully spooning it over the cheesecake.
6. Create the crumble topping by mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cubed butter and use your fingers to rub the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some clumps.
7. Top the cheesecake by sprinkling the crumble evenly over the apple layer, ensuring every slice will have that irresistible crunch.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center and the crumble topping is golden brown.
9. Cool the cheesecake at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
10. Release the springform pan carefully before slicing. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts, wiping it between slices.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
When it’s finally time to serve this luscious dessert, there are so many delightful ways to elevate each slice. Whether you’re aiming for a decadent presentation or a simple family-style dessert, these ideas will make your Apple Crumble Cheesecake shine on any table.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a cool, creamy contrast. Let the ice cream soften slightly before scooping, so it drapes over the warm crumble like a cloud of sweetness.
- Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra gooey goodness. Gently heat the sauce until it’s pourable, then zigzag it across each slice for an eye-catching finish.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream lightly sweetened with a touch of cinnamon. Pipe it around the edges to create those elegant rosettes that taste as good as they look.
- Pair each slice with a mug of hot apple cider spiced with cloves and star anise. The aromatic drink complements the cheesecake’s flavors and turns dessert into an immersive autumn experience.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
Keeping your cheesecake fresh and flavor-packed is all about proper storage. Whether you need to prep ahead or have leftovers to enjoy, these methods will help maintain moisture, texture, and that signature balance of creamy filling, tender apples, and crisp crumble.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled and set, transfer it (still on the base) into a cake carrier or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days without sacrificing texture.
- Freeze individual slices: For longer storage, wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Short-term room temperature: If serving within a few hours, you can keep the cheesecake covered at room temperature. Just ensure it’s in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Separate the crumble topping: If you anticipate needing extra crunch, store the crumble topping in a sealed bag in the freezer. When ready to serve, gently toast the crumbs in a warm oven and sprinkle over chilled slices.
CONCLUSION
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake brings together the very best of fruit-forward fall desserts and classic cheesecake decadence. From the crisp, buttery biscuit crust to the creamy, tangy filling, and finally to the spiced apple layer crowned by a golden crumble, every element complements the others in a symphony of textures and flavors. You’ve now got all the tips you need—from the recommended Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for that perfect tart-sweet contrast, to the trick of adding sour cream to prevent cracks, and even how to prep a day ahead for stress-free entertaining. Feel free to print this article or save it in your recipes folder for easy reference, so you can revisit this recipe whenever the craving for something warm, spiced, and utterly comforting strikes. Look below for a FAQ section that answers common questions about baking, ingredient swaps, and troubleshooting!
I’d love to hear how your cheesecake adventure turns out! Drop your comments, questions, or feedback below if you try this recipe or need a hand along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, sharing your experiences helps our home cook community grow and savor every sweet moment together. Happy baking!
Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Description
Experience the delightful combination of velvety cheesecake with caramelized apples and a buttery crumble topping that adds the perfect crunch. Each bite is pure bliss!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract and continue to mix until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream. Mix until just combined.
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading evenly.
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In a skillet, melt the butter for the apple filling. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and caramelized. Let it cool slightly before spooning over the cheesecake layer.
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For the crumble topping, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the crumble is golden brown.
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Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature first, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
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Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan before serving.
Note
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a tangy flavor contrast.
- To avoid cracks, ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, improving its flavor and texture.
- If you don't have a springform pan, a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper can work, but you might need to adjust baking time.
