Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Introduction

Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone who can’t decide between the comfort of apple pie and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. With a rich, velvety cheesecake filling, tender caramelized apples, and a buttery crumble topping, this dessert brings together the best of both worlds. The blend of textures—smooth, creamy cheesecake paired with the crisp, sweet crumble—creates a truly irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I love making Apple Crumble Cheesecake during the fall when apples are at their peak. There’s something so comforting about the combination of apples and cinnamon, especially when they’re caramelized and nestled on top of a rich cheesecake filling. It’s a dish that always impresses, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received when serving it. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy dinner with friends, this cheesecake has a way of making everything feel just a little more special.

What makes this cheesecake extra special is its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite fruits or spices to the apple layer, or even switching up the crumble topping for a different twist. But no matter how you make it, this Apple Crumble Cheesecake will always be a showstopper. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and a great way to end any meal on a sweet note!

Perfect for:

• Fall desserts
• Holiday gatherings
• Special occasions
• Dinner parties
• Apple lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Apple Crumble Cheesecake will become your new favorite dessert:

• Perfect Flavor Combination: The sweetness of caramelized apples, the richness of cheesecake, and the crunch of the crumble topping come together to create a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Comforting and Cozy: The warm apple flavor with cinnamon and nutmeg evokes cozy fall vibes, making it a comforting dessert for cooler months.
• Two Desserts in One: It’s like having apple crumble and cheesecake in one bite, offering the best of both worlds in every forkful.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for parties and gatherings, allowing you to focus on other preparations.
• Beautifully Layered: The layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crunchy crumble make for an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 5 hours (including cooling and chilling)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3-4 hours
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

To make your Apple Crumble Cheesecake, gather these ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cheesecake:

• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the cheesecake, providing richness and smoothness.
• Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to the dessert.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the buttery crust, giving a satisfying crunch and flavor that complements the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: These two ingredients contribute to the creamy texture of the cheesecake and give it a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor, and cinnamon brings warmth and spice, making the apples and crumble topping irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Apple Crumble Cheesecake:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
2. Press into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to pack it down evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to set the crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

the Apple Filling:

3. Cook the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into small chunks. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are softened and the mixture is caramelized. Set aside to cool.

the Cheesecake:

4. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, heavy cream, and flour. Beat until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Assemble the Dessert:

6. Add the Apples: Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly over the cheesecake batter, pressing them gently into the batter with a spoon.
7. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples and cheesecake batter.

Bake and Cool:

9. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. The top should be golden brown and the crumble topping slightly crispy.
10. Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.

How to Serve

Apple Crumble Cheesecake is as delightful to serve as it is to eat. Here are a few ideas:

• With Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cheesecake for a sweet, rich addition that complements the apple filling.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent, indulgent dessert experience.
• Garnished with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for extra warmth and sweetness.
• As a Showstopper Dessert: Serve on a beautiful cake stand at a dinner party or holiday gathering for a stunning presentation.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips for making the perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake:

• Cool the Crust: Make sure the graham cracker crust is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake filling to prevent the crust from melting into the batter.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: For the smoothest cheesecake filling, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Eggs: When adding eggs to the cheesecake filling, mix just until incorporated to avoid a dense texture.
• Let the Cheesecake Set: Be sure to chill the cheesecake for at least 3-4 hours for the best texture and flavor.
• Use Firm Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in the apple filling.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try with Apple Crumble Cheesecake:

• Pear Crumble Cheesecake: Swap the apples for pears for a different, yet equally delicious flavor.
• Pumpkin Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Add a swirl of pumpkin puree to the cheesecake filling for a festive fall twist.
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Cranberry Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Add fresh cranberries to the apple filling for a tangy contrast.
• Spiced Apple Cheesecake: Enhance the flavor with additional spices such as cloves, allspice, or ginger.
• Almond Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Add almond extract to the cheesecake batter for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Chocolate Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Layer in some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
• Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and oat flour for a gluten-free version.
• Pecan Apple Cheesecake: Add chopped pecans to the crumble topping for a rich, nutty crunch.
• Apple Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake: Swirl some cinnamon-sugar apple filling into the cheesecake batter before baking.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Apple Crumble Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice and microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Apple Crumble Cheesecake easier:

• 9-Inch Springform Pan: A springform pan is ideal for cheesecakes, allowing you to easily remove the sides after baking.
• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer for smooth and creamy cheesecake batter without overmixing.
• Skillet: A skillet is perfect for caramelizing the apples, ensuring they’re cooked evenly.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: For making the crumble topping, a pastry cutter or fork helps to incorporate the cold butter into the dry ingredients.
• Sifter: A sifter is useful for evenly distributing the dry ingredients, like the cinnamon in the crumble topping.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Yes, Apple Crumble Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I use a different crust?
   Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a digestive biscuit crust or a crushed pretzel crust for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I use a different fruit?
   Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries in place of apples for a different twist on the dessert.
4. Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cheesecake?
   Yes, Apple Crumble Cheesecake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
   Yes, you can try an egg substitute like a flax egg or use a no-bake cheesecake version if you prefer not to bake eggs.

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Conclusion

Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and a warm, comforting apple crumble. The velvety cheesecake layer pairs perfectly with the caramelized apples, and the crunchy crumble topping adds the ideal finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, this dessert will leave everyone delighted and craving more.

The rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the apples, adding a cozy, spiced aroma that complements the smooth cheesecake perfectly. With a golden-brown crumble topping, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures—creamy, sweet, and crisp—that will have your guests coming back for more.

I can’t wait to hear how your Apple Crumble Cheesecake turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations. Feel free to leave a comment or share your tips on how you made this dessert your own. Happy baking!