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
Scale
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.
