Apple crumble cheesecake – just saying those words makes my heart skip a beat. Tired of choosing between apple pie and cheesecake for dessert? What if I told you that you never have to make that choice again? This show-stopping apple crumble cheesecake combines the best of three beloved desserts into one incredible creation that will have your guests asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their slice.
As someone who’s spent years perfecting desserts in professional kitchens and home settings alike, I can promise you this: this apple crumble cheesecake delivers layers of creamy, spiced perfection that melts in your mouth. The tangy cream cheese filling perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon apples, while the buttery crumble topping adds that irresistible textural contrast we all crave.
Hi, I’m Emeli from FoodFansy, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It was born during a chilly autumn evening when I couldn’t decide what to make for a dinner party – my grandmother’s apple crumble or my signature New York cheesecake. Instead of choosing, I decided to marry them together, and the result was pure magic. Today, I’m sharing all my pro tips, from selecting the perfect apples to achieving that silky-smooth cheesecake texture.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything: why this recipe works so beautifully, ingredient selection secrets, step-by-step instructions with timing tips, troubleshooting advice, and creative variations to make this dessert your own.
Why This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe Works
This apple crumble cheesecake isn’t just a dessert – it’s an experience that brings together the comfort of autumn flavors with the elegance of a classic cheesecake. Here’s why this recipe consistently delivers restaurant-quality results:
• Perfect flavor balance: The tangy cream cheese cuts through the sweetness of the apples, creating a harmonious taste that never feels overwhelming • Foolproof technique: Low-and-slow baking at 280°F prevents cracks and ensures even cooking throughout • Make-ahead friendly: Actually tastes better after overnight chilling, making it perfect for entertaining • Textural paradise: Creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and crispy crumble create the ultimate dessert experience • Uses pantry staples: No exotic ingredients required – just quality basics you likely already have
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Best Apples for This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
The apple variety you choose can make or break this dessert. After testing dozens of combinations, I’ve found the perfect trio:
Granny Smith apples are my top choice because they hold their shape beautifully during cooking and provide the perfect tart contrast to the rich cheesecake. Their natural acidity also helps prevent the filling from becoming too sweet.
Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and maintain a pleasant bite, while Braeburn apples contribute complex flavor notes that complement the warm spices.
Buying Tips for Apple Crumble Cheesecake Success
When shopping for your apples, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size with taut, unblemished skin. Avoid apples with soft spots or wrinkled areas, as these will break down too much during cooking. I always buy an extra apple or two – you’ll want to snack on them while you cook!
For the cream cheese, room temperature is crucial. Take it out of the fridge 2-3 hours before baking, or cut it into cubes for faster softening.
Smart Substitutions for Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Apple alternatives: Pears work beautifully in this recipe, though they’ll create a more delicate flavor profile. Stick to firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou.
Cream cheese substitution: In a pinch, you can replace up to half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich.
Graham cracker alternatives: Gingersnap cookies or vanilla wafers make excellent crust substitutions that complement the apple flavors.
Ingredients & Prep for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Apple Filling Essentials for Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake
The key to perfect apple filling lies in the prep. I always slice my apples into medium-thick pieces – about ¼ inch thick. Too thin, and they’ll turn to mush; too thick, and they won’t cook evenly.
Pro tip: Toss your sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning and add brightness to the final flavor.
The cornstarch slurry is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Mix it with cool water until completely smooth – any lumps will create an unpleasant texture in your finished filling.
Graham Cracker Crust Preparation
For the crispiest crust, I pre-bake it for 7-8 minutes. This prevents it from becoming soggy under the weight of the filling. Press the crumb mixture firmly but evenly – use the bottom of a measuring cup for best results.
Cheesecake Filling Secrets
Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for smooth cheesecake filling. Cold cream cheese will create lumps no matter how long you mix it. If you forgot to take it out early, cut it into small cubes and microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time until just softened.
Step-by-Step Apple Crumble Cheesecake Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Start by preparing your apple filling first – it needs time to cool completely before assembly. While the filling cools, make your crust and let it cool as well. This timing ensures everything comes together seamlessly.
Wrap the bottom of your springform pan in foil to prevent any butter from leaking during the crust baking process.
Cooking Method for Perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Step 1: Apple Filling (20 minutes) In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and combine with water, brown sugar, and spices. Add sliced apples and cook covered for 10 minutes until tender but not mushy. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
Step 2: Crust (15 minutes) Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into pan bottom and bake at 350°F for 7-8 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 3: Cheesecake Filling (10 minutes) Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, then sour cream. Mix in eggs one at a time, then sift in cornstarch.
Step 4: Crumble Topping (5 minutes) Combine all crumble ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assembly Process for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Layer half the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread apple filling evenly over this layer, leaving a small border around edges. Top with remaining cheesecake mixture, then sprinkle crumble topping evenly over surface.
Doneness Check for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Bake at 280°F for 60-70 minutes. The edges should be set but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The internal temperature should reach 145°F in the center.
Proper Cooling for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
This step is crucial: turn off the oven, crack the door halfway, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 1-2 hours. This prevents cracking from temperature shock. Then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Avoiding Common Apple Crumble Cheesecake Mistakes
Prevent cracking: Never open the oven door during the first 45 minutes of baking. Sudden temperature changes cause cracks. If cracks do appear, don’t worry – the crumble topping will hide them beautifully.
Prevent soggy crust: Always pre-bake your crust and ensure your apple filling has cooled completely before assembly.
Achieve smooth filling: Use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix once eggs are added – this incorporates too much air and can cause cracking.
Essential Tool Recommendations for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
A 10-inch springform pan is essential for easy removal. Invest in a good one – cheap pans often leak or warp.
An apple peeler-corer saves tremendous time and creates uniform slices. A kitchen scale ensures consistent results, especially for the cream cheese measurement.
Storage & Reheating Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, bring slices to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This dessert actually improves with time as flavors meld together.
Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Flavor Variations for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Spicy Twist on Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cayenne to your apple filling for warmth and complexity. A tablespoon of bourbon in the filling creates sophisticated depth.
Healthier Apple Crumble Cheesecake Options
Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Substitute almond flour for half the all-purpose flour in the crumble for added protein and nutty flavor.
Global Flavors for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
French-inspired: Add a tablespoon of Calvados to the apple filling and use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
Scandinavian twist: Incorporate cardamom into both the apple filling and crumble topping for a unique, aromatic variation.
British influence: Replace some brown sugar with golden syrup and add a touch of orange zest to the filling.
Apple Crumble Cheesecake Flavor Combinations
| Variation | Apple Filling Addition | Crumble Topping Addition | Cheesecake Addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Pecan | 2 tbsp maple syrup | ½ cup chopped pecans | 2 tbsp maple extract |
| Caramel Apple | 3 tbsp caramel sauce | Caramel chips | 2 tbsp caramel extract |
| Apple Pie Spice | Extra nutmeg & allspice | Crushed pie crust | Vanilla bean paste |
| Cranberry Apple | ½ cup dried cranberries | Chopped walnuts | Orange zest |
Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
This apple crumble cheesecake is stunning on its own, but these accompaniments elevate it to restaurant-level presentation:
Classic pairings: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream create the ultimate indulgent experience. Vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a room-temperature slice is pure heaven.
Elegant touches: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, or garnish with thin apple slices fanned decoratively on each plate. A sprig of fresh mint adds color and aromatic appeal.
Beverage pairings: Coffee and espresso are natural companions, while dessert wines like Riesling or Port complement the apple flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, spiced apple cider or chai tea create perfect autumn harmony.
FAQs About Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Can I make this apple crumble cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from overnight chilling. Make it up to 2 days ahead – just add the crumble topping right before baking to maintain crispness.
Why did my apple crumble cheesecake crack? Cracks usually result from temperature shock or overbaking. Ensure gradual cooling and don’t exceed the recommended baking time. Room temperature ingredients also help prevent cracking.
Can I freeze apple crumble cheesecake? Yes, but freeze it before adding the crumble topping for best texture. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh crumble topping after thawing.
How do I know when my apple crumble cheesecake is done? The edges should be set and slightly puffed, while the center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken. An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F in the center.
What’s the best way to slice apple crumble cheesecake cleanly? Use a sharp, thin knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut. This prevents the creamy filling from sticking to the blade.
Can I use a different pan size for this apple crumble cheesecake recipe? A 9-inch pan will work but will be quite thick – increase baking time by 15-20 minutes. An 11-inch pan creates a thinner cheesecake with shorter baking time.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about the moment you cut into this apple crumble cheesecake and see those beautiful layers revealed – the golden crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crispy crumble. It’s a dessert that tells a story of comfort, creativity, and the joy of bringing people together around the table.
This recipe has become my signature dessert for autumn gatherings, and I hope it becomes yours too. The combination of techniques might seem complex at first, but each step builds upon the last to create something truly extraordinary. Trust the process, follow the timing, and don’t skip the overnight chill – your patience will be rewarded with dessert perfection.
Ready to create your own apple crumble cheesecake masterpiece? Fire up that oven and treat yourself to this incredible dessert tonight! Share your results with me on social media – I love seeing how this recipe brings joy to kitchens around the world.
Join the thousands of home bakers who’ve made this their go-to special occasion dessert, and don’t forget to check out our [Classic New York Cheesecake Guide] and [Perfect Apple Pie Tutorial] for more autumn baking inspiration!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!
Happy baking! – Emeli, Founder & Chef at FoodFansy.com
Ready for more dessert inspiration? Explore our collection of [seasonal dessert recipes] and discover your next sweet obsession.
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe: Ultimate 3-Layer Dessert Perfection
- Total Time: 1hour 40 minutes
Description
This apple crumble cheesecake is made with a creamy cheesecake filled with apple pie filling, topped with crumble topping and caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Apple filling
5 Apples cored and peeled
⅔ cup Brown sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Nutmeg
2 tablespoon Lemon juice
4 tablespoon Water
½ cup Butter unsalted
4 teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with a little bit of water
Crust
3 cups Graham crackers crumbs
5.2 oz Butter melted, unsalted
1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
½ teaspoon Cinnamon
Cheesecake filling
28 oz Cream cheese room temp
2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups Granulated sugar
1 cup Sour cream
4 Eggs
2 tablespoon Cornstarch
Crumble topping
¾ cup Flour AP
½ cup Oats rolled oats or quick oats will work
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
⅓ teaspoon Kosher salt
3.1 oz Butter melted
⅓ cup Brown sugar
Instructions
Make the apple pie filling
Peel, core, and slice the apples into medium-sized slices (not too thinly). I use an apple peeler and corer to make this process quick and easy.
Into a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and kosher salt, and mix using a wooden spoon until the butter is melted.
Add the sliced apples and mix them gently without breaking them. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook for about 10 minutes, until the apples have softened.
Add the cornstarch mixed with a little bit of water and mix until there are no lumps of cornstarch visible. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the crust
Prepare a 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and preheat an oven to 180c (350f).
Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a food processor on hand, place the crackers in a Ziplock bag and smash the crackers with a cup until fine crumbs form.
Into a small to medium mixing bowl, add the graham crackers crumbs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix with a spoon until the crumbs are coated with butter.
Transfer the crumbs into a prepared 10-inch pan, pressing evenly and firmly into the pan.
Bake the crust in a 180c (350f) preheated oven for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust and make sure it doesn’t burn. Take the crust out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Make the cheesecake filling
Lower the temperature to 140c (280f). In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix with an electric hand mixer until is creamy.
Add the sour cream, and mix until well combined.
Whisk the eggs in a small bowl add them to the cheesecake mixture and mix until the mixture is smooth.
Sift the cornstarch into the mixture and mix until combined and there are no lumps of cornstarch showing.
Make the crumble topping
In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, oats, brown sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix with a spoon until the mixture is well combined.
Assembly
Pour ½ of the cheesecake mixture onto the crust and gently top it with the apple filling.
Top the apple filling with the other half of the cheesecake mixture. Top it with the crumble topping.
Bake it in a 140c (280f) preheated oven for about an hour or until the edges of the cheesecake are set, but the middle is a bit jiggly.
Open the oven door halfway, and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature for 1-2 hours.
After the cheesecake is cooled, wrap the cheesecake with plastic wrap tightly, and place the cheesecake in the fridge to cool completely for at least 5 hours.
Carefully release the cheesecake from the pan, and top it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or lots of powder sugar.
Notes
- Make sure that you are using room-temperature cream cheese in this recipe, this step makes it easier to mix the cream cheese with no unnecessary lumps, we don’t want that.
- Use a springform tin. We use springform tins for all of our cheesecake recipes. This makes sure that your cake will be easy to release from the pan.
- Prep Time: 40minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desssert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 720kcal
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: Apple Crisp Cheesecake, Apple Crumble Cheesecake