There’s something undeniably comforting about a dessert that marries the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with the cozy warmth of spiced apples and a golden, buttery crumble. Each forkful of this Apple Crumble Cheesecake delivers a delightful contrast of textures: a sturdy graham cracker crust that gives way to a luxuriously smooth filling, followed by tender apple slices and a satisfyingly crisp crumble topping. Whether you’re winding down a crisp autumn evening or hosting a festive gathering, this dessert hits all the right notes. The gentle cinnamon swirl in the cheesecake layer enhances the fruit’s sweetness without overpowering it, while the crumble adds that final crunchy hug your taste buds have been craving.
As the cheesecake bakes, the kitchen transforms into a haven filled with those nostalgic hints of fall—warm spices, melted butter, and just a whisper of sugar caramelizing at the edges. But beyond its comforting aromas and flavors, this recipe is surprisingly manageable. With an intermediate difficulty level, it invites home bakers to hone their skills in layering and gentle mixing techniques without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare, 60–70 minutes to bake, and a good 5-hour chill to let everything set perfectly. When you slice into it later—after an optional drizzle of caramel sauce—you’ll see why this dessert deserves a spot at every celebratory table.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
Each component of this Apple Crumble Cheesecake works in harmony to create a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and irresistibly crunchy. From the buttery crust to the tangy cream cheese filling and the nutty crumble on top, every element plays a crucial role. Below, you’ll find the star ingredients and a bit about what they bring to the party.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
These finely ground crumbs form the sturdy base of the crust. Their slightly sweet, honey-like flavor and crunchy texture create the perfect foundation, ensuring every bite starts with a satisfying crisp.
- Sugar
Present in both the crust and fillings, sugar sweetens each layer and helps with browning. In the crust, it binds with the crumbs; in the cheesecake, it dissolves into a silky texture; and in the apple layer, it draws out and caramelizes the fruit’s natural juices.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs into a cohesive crust and later enriches the crumble topping. Because it’s unsalted, you control the exact flavor balance, letting the sweetness of other ingredients shine.
- Cream Cheese
The hero of the cheesecake filling, cream cheese brings that signature tang and luxuriously smooth consistency. Softened at room temperature, it whips together effortlessly with sugar to create a light base for the eggs and spices.
- Eggs
Eggs act as a natural thickening agent. Added one at a time, they ensure the filling sets evenly without curdling, giving you that creamy, sliceable texture cheesecake lovers adore.
- Vanilla Extract
Just a splash of vanilla extract enhances the richness of the cream cheese and rounds out the cinnamon’s spice, adding fragrant depth to every creamy spoonful.
- Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon weaves through both the cheesecake and apple layers, tying them together with its warm, aromatic spice. It adds cozy fall vibes, complementing both the apples’ sweetness and the buttery crumble.
- Apples
A mix of tart and sweet varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) provides balanced flavor and texture. Thinly sliced, they soften in the oven while retaining a bright, fresh bite.
- Lemon Juice
Tossed with the apple slices, lemon juice prevents browning and adds a hint of citrusy tang, keeping the fruit lively against the creamy filling.
- All-Purpose Flour
A key component of the crumble topping, flour adds structure so that the topping bakes up into golden, crispy morsels.
- Rolled Oats
Oats bring a lovely nuttiness and chew to the crumble. When baked, they toast up beautifully, offering extra texture and heartiness.
- Brown Sugar
Its molasses content deepens the crumble topping’s sweetness and color, resulting in rich, caramel-like notes that pair beautifully with spiced apples.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
Ready to bake this show-stopping dessert? Follow these detailed steps to ensure each layer turns out perfectly and your cheesecake sets with a crack-free, golden top.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Lining the pan with a parchment circle on the bottom can make release even easier later.
2. Prepare the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Use a spatula to mix until all crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly while you prep the filling.
3. For the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides as needed to create a lump-free, velvety mixture. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter remains smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. In another bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. This coating helps the apples bake evenly and infuses them with sweet-spiced flavor. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer over the cheesecake filling, pressing gently so they nestle into the batter.
5. Prepare the crumble topping by mixing the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the softened butter with two knives or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
6. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. To prevent cracks, turn off the oven and cool the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for about an hour.
7. Once the cheesecake reaches room temperature, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, run a thin knife around the pan’s edge, unlock the springform, and gently lift off the sides.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
Serving this treat is almost as fun as baking it! Here are a few ideas to elevate presentation and flavor when it’s time to share each luscious slice:
- Warm with Caramel Drizzle
Gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and gooey texture.
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
Top each slice with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the spiced apples and crisp crumble.
- Garnished with Toasted Nuts
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving. The nuts echo the oatmeal in the crumble and add a nutty crunch.
- Dusting of Cinnamon Sugar
Right before slicing, lightly sprinkle a blend of ground cinnamon and powdered sugar over the cheesecake. It gives a photo-ready finish and a subtle extra hint of spice.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE
Proper storage ensures your cheesecake stays creamy and the crumble remains crisp. Whether you have leftover slices or want to prep in advance, these tips will help maintain peak flavor and texture:
- Refrigerator Storage
After cooling completely, cover the cheesecake (or individual slices) with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. This preserves cream cheese freshness and prevents the fruit layer from drying out.
- Freezing for Longer Shelf Life
For extended storage, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then re-crisp the topping in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes if desired.
- Avoid Moisture Build-Up
To prevent sogginess, line your storage container with a paper towel underneath the cheesecake. This absorbs excess moisture without affecting flavor.
- Re-crisping the Topping
If the crumble topping softens in the fridge, pop slices under the broiler for 1–2 minutes on low heat—watch carefully! This little trick brings back that delightful crunch.
CONCLUSION
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that showcases the best of fall flavors and classic baking techniques. With its buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese layer, tender cinnamon-dusted apples, and nutty-oat crumble, it invites both novice and experienced bakers to enjoy a truly memorable treat. You can thank the gentle spices and contrasting textures for turning a simple cheesecake into a showstopper worthy of any holiday table. Plus, the make-ahead convenience and storage tips ensure you can bake this beauty in advance, leaving you free to savor precious moments with friends and family.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—you’ll find an FAQ below to answer all your burning questions about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting cracks, and more. If you give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment, ask questions, or share your own tweaks and stories. Baking together, even from afar, makes every slice taste a little sweeter. Happy baking!
Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Description
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines the richness of creamy cheesecake with tender, spiced apples and a delightful crumble topping. A delicious twist on a classic dessert!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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Prepare the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, remove, and let cool.
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For the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Pour the filling over the crust and set aside.
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In another bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Arrange the apple slices over the cheesecake filling.
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Prepare the crumble topping by mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
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Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. Cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door cracked open for an hour to prevent cracking, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Remove from the pan before serving.
Note
- Use a mixture of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients for the filling are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
- For an added twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
