If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, cozy flavors of autumn apples and a crunchy crumble topping, this Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe will become your new favorite indulgence. This dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling, tender apple slices soaked lightly in lemon and cinnamon, and a crisp, golden crumble that brings delightful texture to every bite. It’s a gorgeous centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat to brighten up an ordinary day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the first step toward creating an unforgettable dessert. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy texture of the cream cheese to the fragrant warmth of cinnamon—ensuring every slice bursts with flavor and balance.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base of your crust, giving a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation to the cheesecake.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugars appear here to balance sweetness and deepen flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the crust and softened for the crumble, it adds richness and helps bring the right texture to both layers.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, it provides that signature smooth and creamy cheesecake experience.
- Eggs: These bind the filling beautifully, giving it structure and silkiness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic lift that complements the apples perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice running through the cheesecake, apple filling, and crumble for cozy cohesion.
- Apples: Thinly sliced and tossed with lemon juice and cinnamon, they offer a juicy freshness and slight tartness.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and enhances their bright fruitiness.
- All-purpose flour and rolled oats: Together with butter and sugar, they make a delightfully crisp crumble topping, adding an inviting crunch.
How to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. This ensures your cheesecake cooks evenly and comes out easily once baked—always a helpful tip when working with delicate desserts!
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to create a solid crust that will hold the luscious cheesecake filling. Bake it for 10 minutes to set it, then let it cool so it’s ready for that creamy layer.
Step 3: Whip the Cheesecake Filling
Beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until the texture is smooth and silky. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon for that unmistakable warmth. Pour this heavenly filling over the cooled crust and set it aside—things are starting to look delicious!
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Layer
Toss your thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. This combination enhances their natural sweetness while adding a subtle tart kick, and the lemon juice keeps the slices bright. Then arrange the apples neatly over the cheesecake filling, creating a beautiful layer of fruit.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
Mix flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl before cutting in softened butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This crumble topping will bake into a golden, crisp delight that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling and tender apples. Sprinkle it evenly over the apple layer for that signature finish.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 60-70 minutes until the crumble is golden and the cheesecake center is set but still slightly wobbly. Once done, cool it in the oven with the door cracked open for about an hour to avoid cracks—this is a neat trick! Afterward, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours or overnight to let it firm up and develop flavors.
Step 7: Serve with Care
Before serving, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe is now ready to impress, whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar over each slice instantly elevates the look and aroma. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside—a luscious way to enhance the creamy texture and balance the tart apples.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or spiced nuts to keep the overall experience light and seasonally inspired. If serving at a party, a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the cake’s sweet-spiced notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini portions in clear jars layered with extra crumble or individual ramekins topped with caramel sauce. You could even garnish with thin apple slices fanned over the top for added elegance and an inviting look that calls everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to four days, making it perfect for enjoying a little slice of happiness over several days.
Freezing
Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes well for up to two months without losing flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its creamy perfection.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings out the aroma of cinnamon and makes the crumble topping wonderfully soft without sacrificing that essential creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Apples like Granny Smith provide a tart bite, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and keeps their shape well. Mixing varieties can offer a lovely balance of flavors and textures.
Do I need a springform pan to make this cheesecake?
While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal without damaging the cheesecake, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper, but it requires more careful handling when unmolding.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Cooling the cheesecake slowly is key—leave the oven door slightly open about an hour after baking. Also, avoid over-beating the batter and don’t overbake; the center should still have a gentle wobble.
Can I make this Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Substitutions are possible using plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and egg replacers, but the texture and taste will differ slightly. Experimenting with these can still produce a delightful dessert.
Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?
Chilling overnight is highly recommended as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to fully set, making slicing and serving much easier and cleaner.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that bring comfort, celebration, and a nostalgic touch to any table. Giving it a try guarantees you a crowd-pleaser with that perfect harmony of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 5h 30m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cinnamon-infused cream cheese filling, topped with tender spiced apple slices and a crunchy oat crumble. Baked to perfection, it offers a harmonious balance of creamy, fruity, and crumbly textures, making it a perfect treat for fall or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick and is easy to remove.
- Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and create a smooth texture. Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon for flavor. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Arrange Apple Filling: Toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon in another bowl to coat evenly. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer over the cheesecake filling carefully.
- Make Crumble Topping: Mix together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cheesecake center is set but slightly jiggly. To prevent cracking, cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and chill.
- Serve: Remove the sides of the springform pan carefully before slicing and serving your apple crumble cheesecake. Enjoy chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor contrast with the sweet cheesecake.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven to prevent cracks on the surface.
- Refrigerate overnight to improve texture and make slicing easier.
- You can prepare the crust and filling a day ahead to save time.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
