Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

There is something truly magical about combining two fantastic desserts into one unforgettable delight—Apple Crumble Cheesecake perfectly marries the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of spiced apple crumble. Imagine sinking your fork into a luscious, velvety cheesecake resting atop a cinnamon and nutmeg cookie crust, crowned with tender cinnamon sugar apples and a buttery crumble topping. This dessert captures the essence of cozy autumn afternoons and festive gatherings with each bite, making it an absolute showstopper that’s destined to be your new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together the Apple Crumble Cheesecake is surprisingly straightforward thanks to simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the cookie crust provides a spiced, buttery base, the cheesecake filling offers rich creaminess, and the apple crumble topping adds a perfect sweet crunch and warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece:

• 200 g digestive or graham crackers: These form the flavorful base of the cookie crust, giving a delightful crunch and warmth.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy spice enhancing the cookie crust’s depth.
• 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A must-have spice for that quintessential apple crumble aroma and flavor.
• 1.5 tablespoon dark brown sugar: Brings a rich molasses sweetness, perfect for the crust and crumble topping.
• 50 g butter, melted: Binds the cookie crust together and adds luscious richness.
• 150 g diced apple (1-2 apples): Fresh, crisp apples are the heart of the crumble, providing sweet-tart juiciness.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps extract natural juices.
• 100 g all-purpose flour: Essential for creating that crumbly texture on top.
• 80 g dark brown sugar: Used again here to deliver depth and caramel notes in the crumble.
• 70 g butter, room temperature: Binds the crumble topping, creating the perfect buttery crunch.
• 600 g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy, rich base of the cheesecake filling.
• 200 g granulated sugar: Balances the tang of the cream cheese with sweetness.
• 150 g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps stabilize the cheesecake for a smooth, firm texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant, sweet warmth to elevate the cheesecake.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the filling ingredients together magically as it bakes.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 160ºC (325ºF). In a food processor, blend your digestive or graham crackers with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until you get a fine, sand-like texture. Then slowly add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture clumps together beautifully. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 22 cm springform pan lined with parchment paper, creating a sturdy, flavorful crust. Bake it for 10 minutes and then let it cool to room temperature – this ensures that your crust sets nicely before adding the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Prepare Apples and Crumble Topping

While your crust cools, dice your apples into small, uniform pieces and toss with granulated sugar and cinnamon. This treatment not only sweetens but also draws out some juicy apple liquid, which you’ll want to set aside and leave behind to avoid a soggy cheesecake. Next, mix together flour, dark brown sugar, and room temperature butter with your hands or a mixer until you achieve that perfect crumble texture — not too dry, not too sticky. Set both apples and crumble aside, ready to top the cheesecake later.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Lower the oven temperature to 160ºC if needed. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer for about one minute on low speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing to get a silky base. In another small bowl, whisk the sour cream together with cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture along with the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, stirring gently on low speed to keep the batter smooth and velvety without overmixing. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your luxurious cheesecake filling over the prepared cookie crust, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar apples gently across the surface and then top with the buttery crumble. To bake, set your springform pan inside a larger 25 cm cake pan, then nestle that into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches two-thirds up the sides of the cake pan, creating a water bath that keeps the cheesecake moist and crack-free. Alternatively, you can wrap the springform pan in triple layers of foil to prevent leaks. Bake for 1 hour and 20-30 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still delightfully wobbly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door ajar for one hour, then remove it from the water bath and let it cool fully on a rack. Chill in the fridge for at least six hours or overnight so the flavors meld and the texture firms beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Garnishes

To enhance the warm, comforting notes of your Apple Crumble Cheesecake, consider garnishing it with a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A few thin apple slices fanned on top or a sprinkle of toasted pecans add an elegant visual and textural contrast. These simple touches elevate the slice to next-level indulgence.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add cool creaminess alongside the spiced apple topping. For a sophisticated serving, a cup of hot chai tea or spiced coffee enhances the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this Apple Crumble Cheesecake at a party, slice it into bite-sized squares and serve on mini dessert plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cinnamon stick for stirring drinks. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a wedge of poached pear or drizzle a vibrant berry coulis for a pop of color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake keeps amazingly well in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap or an airtight container. It stays fresh and maintains its texture for up to 4 days, making it a perfect dessert to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some cheesecake for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Frozen Apple Crumble Cheesecake maintains its flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Although cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer a slightly warmed dessert, gently heat individual slices in a low-temperature oven (about 120ºC/250ºF) for 10-15 minutes. This brings out the apple and crumble spices with a cozy warmth without compromising the texture of the filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the apple topping?

Frozen apples tend to release more liquid as they thaw, which can make the cheesecake soggy. It’s best to use fresh, crisp apples for the crumble topping to maintain that lovely firm texture and flavor.

Do I need to use a water bath for baking this cheesecake?

Using a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking by providing a gentle, moist heat. If you skip it, be very careful with oven temperature, but the water bath is highly recommended for the best results.

Can I substitute the digestive or graham crackers?

Yes! You can use any sturdy, lightly sweetened cookie or biscuit you prefer — ginger snaps, shortbread, or even spiced cookies would work wonderfully to complement the apple crumble flavors.

Is it necessary to let the cheesecake chill overnight?

Chilling overnight allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld, resulting in a creamier texture and more vibrant taste. While you can serve it after 6 hours, overnight chilling is ideal.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free crackers for the crust and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the crumble topping to keep this Apple Crumble Cheesecake gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that combines nostalgic comfort with sophisticated flavors, the Apple Crumble Cheesecake is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderful way to bring loved ones together around a slice of creamy, cinnamony heaven. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite desserts to bake and share over and over again.