Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of two iconic desserts, bringing the creamy richness of classic cheesecake together with the cozy warmth of spiced apples and a buttery streusel topping. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of silky, tangy filling, aromatic fruit, and golden crumble, all nestled on a cinnamon-kissed graham cracker crust. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just craving a comforting treat, this dessert delivers big flavors and irresistible textures that will charm everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Crumble Cheesecake comes from a handful of familiar ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component adds its own distinct taste and texture, making every layer unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

• Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation for our crust, bringing that sweet, toasty crunch to every slice.
• Unsalted butter: Use it melted—or go the extra mile and brown it for a boost of rich, nutty flavor in the base.
• Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and helps the crust hold together just right.
• Ground cinnamon: Warms up the whole dessert, adding complexity to the crust and toppings.
• Ground nutmeg (optional): A pinch brings out deeper fall notes—totally worth it if you love spice.
• Fresh apples: Granny Smith and Gala are a dream team for flavor and texture—sweet, tart, and sturdy enough to hold up during baking.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like undertones to both the apple layer and the crumble.
• All-purpose flour: Key for that signature crumbly topping.
• Rolled oats: Infuse a rustic, hearty bite and hold the topping together.
• Kosher salt: Just a bit sharpens all the sweet and spiced flavors.
• Cream cheese (full-fat, brick style): The heart of the cheesecake layer, making it lusciously creamy and rich.
• Eggs: Bind everything together for that signature sliceable texture.
• Sour cream (full fat): Adds a wonderful tang and helps achieve that velvety consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Perfumes every layer with lovely, mellow sweetness.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by making your crust. Preheat your oven, line your springform pan with parchment, and get ready to build the base for your Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, and (if you like) a dusting of nutmeg. Pour in your melted or brown butter and work it all together. Press this mixture firmly into the pan, making sure it climbs halfway up the sides for maximum crunchy coverage—then bake until it’s perfectly golden.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Spiced Apple Topping

Peel and finely dice your apples so they soften beautifully during baking. Toss the cubes with brown sugar and cinnamon until every bite is coated in sweet, spicy goodness. This topping will infuse your cheesecake with all the flavors of a freshly baked apple pie.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cinnamon Crumble

In a bowl, mix flour, oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms soft, chunky crumbs. Some bits should be small, some a bit bigger—this gives the final bake a rustic look and lots of buttery texture on top.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Using room temperature cream cheese, beat until creamy, then add sugars, sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth, then mix in the eggs one at a time—be careful not to overmix. This keeps your Apple Crumble Cheesecake luxuriously smooth and helps avoid cracks.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Pour the cheesecake filling onto the prebaked crust, smoothing with a spatula. Using a slotted spoon, arrange your apple mixture evenly on top, being careful not to add any extra liquid from the bowl. Sprinkle the crumble generously over the apples, making sure you cover every inch.

Step 6: Bake with a Water Bath

Set up your roasting pan with hot water on the lower oven rack—this gentle steam prevents cracks and keeps everything creamy. Place your cheesecake on the middle rack and bake until the edges are set but the center jiggles just slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for an hour.

Step 7: Cool, Chill, and Slice

Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then run an offset spatula around the edge to loosen it from the pan. Chill in the fridge for at least five hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. Use a sharp knife, wiped clean after each cut, for those picture-perfect slices of Apple Crumble Cheesecake.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Garnishes

For an elegant finish, try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar. A dollop of fresh whipped cream (perhaps with a hint of vanilla or a splash of maple syrup) beautifully complements the spiced apple layer and makes each piece feel extra special. If you’re feeling bold, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce turns your Apple Crumble Cheesecake into a true showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair this cheesecake with something light and refreshing to balance its richness. Think crisp apple slices, a fruit salad with citrus segments, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A cup of coffee or spiced chai tea on the side also plays off the cozy, autumnal notes baked into the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Experiment with serving Apple Crumble Cheesecake as individual mini cakes (using a muffin tin and cupcake liners), or turn leftovers into parfaits layered in a glass with extra crumble and fresh apple slices. For a party platter, cut small squares rather than classic wedges so guests can sample a variety of treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cheesecake fresh, tightly cover any remaining slices or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Apple Crumble Cheesecake stays delicious for up to five days—just make sure it’s chilled so the texture stays creamy and the crumble retains its tender bite.

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then pop them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Stored this way, Apple Crumble Cheesecake will last up to a month. To enjoy, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.

Reheating

While cheesecake is fantastic straight from the fridge, you can gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds if you want to soften the filling and revive the crumble topping. Just be careful not to overdo it—a little heat goes a long way in recreating that “just baked” magic!

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala are my favorites for their flavor and firmness, Honeycrisp or Fuji work well, too. Just make sure to dice them small, so they bake through and don’t make the top soggy.

How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

The key is to avoid overmixing the batter, use room temperature ingredients, and bake the Apple Crumble Cheesecake in a water bath. Also, letting it cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar helps prevent sudden temperature shifts that cause cracks.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and substitute the flour in the crumble with a gluten-free blend. Everything else remains the same, and you’ll barely notice the difference in texture or flavor.

What’s the best way to cut neat cheesecake slices?

Use a long, sharp knife and rinse (or wipe) it clean between each cut. This little trick keeps your slices tidy, with lovely, defined layers of crust, cheesecake, apples, and crumble.

Can I skip the hot water bath?

It’s possible, but for the smoothest, creamiest results, I highly recommend the water bath. It creates a moist environment that helps the Apple Crumble Cheesecake bake evenly and minimizes surface cracking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging a craving for something special, Apple Crumble Cheesecake is guaranteed to bring big smiles and even bigger flavor to your table. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new family favorite—give it a try and enjoy every unforgettable bite!

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