Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Category: Decadent Desserts

This showstopping dessert combines two classics - cheesecake and apple crumble. Each bite features creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and buttery crumble topping, finished with a caramel drizzle.

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:36:49 GMT
A slice of apple crumble cheesecake topped with a crumbly streusel, displayed on a plate with whole apples in the background. Save
A slice of apple crumble cheesecake topped with a crumbly streusel, displayed on a plate with whole apples in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

I created this Apple Crumble Cheesecake recipe one fall afternoon when I couldn't decide between apple pie and cheesecake. It's become my most popular dessert at family gatherings combining my grandma's apple pie flavors with a creamy New York style cheesecake. The crumble topping adds that perfect cozy touch.

Why You'll Love Making This

What makes this recipe so special is how all the textures play together perfectly. The buttery graham crust, silky cheesecake and that warmly spiced apple filling create pure magic in every bite. Best part? No fussy water bath needed. I've simplified the process while keeping that bakery quality taste.

Starting with the Perfect Crust

  • Graham Crackers: I use 3 cups finely crushed. My secret? Sometimes I mix in gingersnaps for extra warmth. Regular tea biscuits work great too.
  • Sugar: Just enough to make it perfectly sweet.
  • Butter: I melt it slowly in the microwave to avoid that splatter mess.

The Star of the Show: Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream Cheese: Always full fat and room temp. I've learned this the hard way trust me.
  • Sugar: One cup gives that perfect sweetness balance.
  • Eggs: Four large ones at room temp for the smoothest texture.
  • Cornstarch: My secret weapon for crack free cheesecakes.
  • Vanilla: Pure extract makes all the difference.
  • Sour Cream: Full fat for that perfect creamy tang.
  • Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg make it cozy.

Creating the Apple Magic

  • Apples: Granny Smiths are my go to. They keep their shape and don't turn mushy.
  • Brown Sugar: Dark brown for that deep caramel flavor.
  • Butter: Unsalted so we can control the taste.
  • Lemon: Just a splash keeps things bright.
  • Warm Spices: Plenty of cinnamon with a touch of nutmeg.
  • Cornstarch: For that perfect sauce thickness.
  • Salt: A pinch makes everything pop.
A slice of apple crumble cheesecake sits on a plate, revealing layers of creamy filling, baked apples, and a crumbly topping, with fresh apples in the background. Save
A slice of apple crumble cheesecake sits on a plate, revealing layers of creamy filling, baked apples, and a crumbly topping, with fresh apples in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

Making Your Apple Filling

Let's start with those apples. I love peeling and slicing them while catching up on my favorite shows. Everything goes into my trusty saucepan butter brown sugar cinnamon and all those cozy spices. The kitchen smells amazing while it cooks down into that perfect filling.

Building Your Foundation

Getting that crust right is so satisfying. I usually pop on some music while crushing the graham crackers. Mix in the butter and sugar press it into the pan and watch it turn golden in the oven. Those few minutes of baking make such a difference in flavor.

The Heart of the Matter

Now for my favorite part mixing up that silky cheesecake batter. Take your time with the cream cheese and sugar until it's perfectly smooth. Then comes the sour cream eggs and that splash of vanilla. I always taste a tiny bit of the batter it's irresistible.

Creating That Perfect Crumble

The crumble topping is like adding a cozy blanket to your cheesecake. I mix flour oats brown sugar and plenty of cinnamon with melted butter until it feels like wet sand. Sometimes I sneak in some chopped pecans too.

Bringing It All Together

This is where the magic happens. Layer half the creamy filling add those spiced apples top with the rest of the cheesecake and crown it all with that buttery crumble. Into the oven it goes and then the hardest part waiting.

A slice of dessert featuring layers of creamy filling, apples, and a crumbly topping, placed on a white plate with a blurred background of assorted apples. Save
A slice of dessert featuring layers of creamy filling, apples, and a crumbly topping, placed on a white plate with a blurred background of assorted apples. | kitchenscroll.com

The Waiting Game

Patience is key here. Let it cool slowly right in the oven with the door cracked. Then a few hours in the fridge to set up properly. I know it's tempting but trust me the wait makes it even better.

The Big Reveal

Taking the cheesecake out of the pan is always exciting. I run my knife around the edge nice and slow then unlock that springform pan. It's like unwrapping a present every single time.

Adding The Final Touch

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this over the top. I make extra because everyone always wants more. Sometimes I dust it with powdered sugar too just because it looks pretty.

My Best Tips

After making this countless times I've learned a few tricks. Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable. Take your time mixing and always scrape down the bowl. These little details make a big difference.

Baking Success

Low and slow is the way to go. Keep that oven door closed no matter how tempting it is to peek. Your cheesecake will thank you with a perfectly smooth top.

A slice of apple cheesecake topped with crumbly streusel is served on a white plate, with fresh apples in the background. Save
A slice of apple cheesecake topped with crumbly streusel is served on a white plate, with fresh apples in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

Keeping It Fresh

This cheesecake stays beautiful in the fridge for days. Just keep it covered. You can even freeze slices for those emergency dessert cravings. They thaw perfectly.

Making It Your Own

Need it gluten free? I've made this with gluten free graham crackers and it's just as delicious. Playing with different sugars can make it a bit healthier too.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I add pecans to the crumble or swap in pears when they're in season. Each little change makes it feel like a whole new dessert.

Common Questions

  • Know it's done: Look for that slight wobble in the middle like jello.
  • Prevent cracks: No sudden temperature changes and don't overmix your batter.

Serving Your Masterpiece

I love serving this straight from the fridge with extra caramel sauce on the side. The way people's eyes light up when they take that first bite makes all the effort worth it. This cheesecake has become my signature dessert and I hope it becomes yours too.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracks usually happen from overmixing or sudden temperature changes. Mix ingredients on low speed and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open.

→ Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, make it a day ahead to allow proper setting time.

→ What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work great because they hold their shape while cooking. These varieties offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

→ Why do ingredients need to be at room temperature?

Room temperature ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly. Cold ingredients can create lumps in your batter and affect how the cheesecake bakes.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

A perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and apple pie, topped with crunchy crumble and drizzled with caramel sauce. An irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Preparation Time
40 minutes
Cooking Duration
60 minutes
Total Time Required
100 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 14 Number of Servings (1 10-inch cheesecake)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 5 large fresh apples, peeled and cored.
Contains 02 items 2/3 cup packed brown sugar for filling.
Contains 03 items 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for filling.
Contains 04 items 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
Contains 05 items 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
Contains 06 items 4 tablespoons water.
Contains 07 items 1/2 cup unsalted butter for filling.
Contains 08 items 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with water.
Contains 09 items 3 cups graham cracker crumbs.
Contains 10 items 5.2 ounces melted unsalted butter for crust.
Contains 11 items 1 tablespoon white sugar.
Contains 12 items 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for crust.
Contains 13 items 28 ounces cream cheese, softened.
Contains 14 items 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Contains 15 items 1 1/4 cups white sugar for filling.
Contains 16 items 1 cup sour cream.
Contains 17 items 4 large eggs, room temperature.
Contains 18 items 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
Contains 19 items 3/4 cup all-purpose flour.
Contains 20 items 1/2 cup rolled oats.
Contains 21 items 1 teaspoon cinnamon for topping.
Contains 22 items 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt.
Contains 23 items 3.1 ounces melted butter for topping.
Contains 24 items 1/3 cup brown sugar for topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Cut peeled apples into medium slices. Melt butter in a pan with sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Cook apples until soft, about 10 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch mixture. Cool completely.

Step 02

Mix graham crumbs with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Press into lined 10-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes until set. Cool fully.

Step 03

Beat soft cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Mix in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in cornstarch gently.

Step 04

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and melted butter until crumbly.

Step 05

Pour half the cheesecake mix over crust. Layer with cooled apples. Add remaining filling. Top with crumble.

Step 06

Bake at 280°F for 1 hour until edges are set but center jiggles. Cool in oven, then chill 5 hours or overnight. Add caramel topping before serving.

Important Tips

  1. Use room temperature ingredients for smoothest texture.
  2. Don't overmix after adding eggs to prevent cracks.
  3. Cool slowly to prevent surface cracks.
  4. Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in fridge.

Essential Tools

  • 10-inch springform pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Food processor.
  • Saucepan.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Milk/dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 720
  • Fat Amount: 46 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71 g
  • Protein Amount: 8 g