If you love the creamy richness of cheesecake and the warm, spiced comfort of apple crumble, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that balances tangy cream cheese filling, tender baked apples, and a golden, buttery crumble topping. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply cozy weekends, it’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and nostalgic.
A Little Background: Where Cheesecake Meets Crumble
Cheesecake has been around since ancient Greece, while fruit crumbles gained popularity in Britain during wartime due to rationing (they were simpler to make than pies). Over time, bakers began experimenting, layering classic cheesecake with crumble toppings. The apple crumble cheesecake is now a modern favorite—uniting the elegance of cheesecake with the rustic charm of apple desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this cheesecake irresistible—and why each element matters.
For the Crust
- Graham crackers or digestive biscuits – sturdy base with a touch of sweetness.
- Butter – binds the crumbs and adds richness.
- Sugar – balances the flavors.
For the Filling
- Cream cheese (full-fat) – essential for creamy texture and tang.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens without overpowering.
- Eggs – provide structure and stability.
- Vanilla extract – enhances flavor depth.
- Sour cream or heavy cream – keeps the filling smooth and luxurious.
For the Apple Layer
- Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn) – tartness balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar – adds caramel-like depth.
- Cinnamon + nutmeg – classic warm spices.
- Lemon juice – prevents browning and brightens flavor.
For the Crumble Topping
- All-purpose flour – structure.
- Rolled oats – texture and rustic crunch.
- Butter (cold, cubed) – key to a crumbly texture.
- Brown sugar – rich sweetness.
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans – nutty crunch.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Crust
- Crush graham crackers or biscuits into fine crumbs.
- Mix with melted butter and sugar.
- Press firmly into a springform pan.
- Pre-bake for 10 minutes at 175°C (350°F).
2. Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, then eggs one at a time.
- Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Pour filling over the baked crust.
3. Prepare the Apple Layer
- Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice.
- Spread evenly over the cheesecake filling.
4. Make the Crumble
- Combine flour, oats, butter, and sugar.
- Rub together until crumbly.
- Sprinkle generously over the apples.
5. Bake
- Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 60–70 minutes or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool gradually in the oven (door ajar) to prevent cracks.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room-temperature cream cheese prevents lumps.
- Don’t overmix the batter—overbeating incorporates too much air, causing cracks.
- For extra crunch, toast the crumble topping separately for 10 minutes and add it after baking.
- Use a water bath (bain-marie) to bake the cheesecake gently and evenly.
Variations & Flavor Twists
- Caramel drizzle – drizzle salted caramel over the top before serving.
- Nut lovers – add walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the crumble.
- Spiced twist – add cardamom or allspice for depth.
- Diet-friendly – use a gluten-free crust or dairy-free cream cheese.
Serving & Presentation
- Slice with a knife warmed in hot water for clean cuts.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store covered for 4–5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge).
- Make ahead: Bake a day in advance—the flavor improves as it sets.
Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Carbs: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Sugar: 28g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)
FAQs About Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Q: What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for balance, or a mix for complexity.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Use room-temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and cool slowly.
Q: How do I keep the crumble crunchy?
Toast it separately and add just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crumble Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a culinary fusion that blends creamy elegance with rustic comfort. With its buttery crust, velvety cheesecake, spiced apples, and golden crumble topping, it’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion special. Once you try it, it might just replace both apple pie and traditional cheesecake on your table.
