Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Love

Imagine the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples mingling with the sweet, buttery scent of crumble—while a creamy cheesecake base ties it all together. That’s the magic of this Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake. The first time I made this, I was trying to impress my in-laws at a fall family gathering. Let’s just say, it wasn’t long before slices disappeared, forks scraped plates, and requests for seconds rolled in. Honestly, this cheesecake feels like a warm hug wrapped in autumn flavors.

The combination of velvety cheesecake, tart apples, and crunchy crumble topping is something I wish I’d stumbled upon sooner. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, festive parties, or even when you just want to treat yourself to something indulgent. My kids call it “dessert heaven,” and my spouse has been known to sneak leftovers for breakfast. You know what? I can’t blame them—it’s that good. So, grab your favorite baking dish, because this is one recipe you’re going to want to bookmark.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under two hours, including baking time. Perfect for when you need a wow-worthy dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter combined with fresh apples make this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
• Perfect for Fall: An ideal dessert for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or even as a treat to enjoy while curled up with a cup of tea.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A flawless combo of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures that everyone loves.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The creamy cheesecake base pairs perfectly with the tart, caramelized apples and buttery crumble topping.

This recipe stands out because of its balance of flavors and textures. The cheesecake layer is fluffy and smooth, the apple filling is tender and spiced just right, and the crumble adds a golden crunch that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s also versatile—you can tweak it to suit your preferences, but more on that later!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, with a few fresh items to bring it all together.

For the Cheesecake Base:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (I recommend Granny Smith for tartness)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

If you’re missing graham crackers, digestive biscuits work just as well. You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and feel free to use dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese and butter if needed.

Equipment Needed

• Springform pan (9-inch recommended for easy release)
• Mixing bowls (at least three for different components)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Peeler and corer for the apples
• Baking sheet (optional, to catch drips)

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easier removal. I’ve used both, but trust me, the springform pan makes life a lot simpler!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the cheesecake filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the apple filling: Toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl. Spread the apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
4. Make the crumble topping: Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
5. Bake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Pro tip: If you notice the edges browning too quickly while baking, cover them lightly with foil. Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the flavors meld beautifully!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Perfect crumble texture: Mix the topping just enough so it clumps together but doesn’t become a paste. You want those golden, buttery chunks!
• Prevent cracks: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a baking sheet with water on the rack below to create steam and keep the filling moist.
• Slice apples evenly: Uniform slices cook more consistently, ensuring a tender and juicy apple layer.

And don’t rush the cooling process—it’s tempting, but the cheesecake tastes even better after it chills overnight.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute almond flour for the crumble topping.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap the apples for pears or peaches during summer months for a fresh variation.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and butter alternatives to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Personally, I’ve tried swapping the apples for tart cherries, and let me tell you—it was a hit! You can get creative with the fruits and spices to suit your taste.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cheesecake is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. Slice into wedges and pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. It’s perfect alongside a cup of coffee or spiced cider.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—great for grabbing dessert on the go! Thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll taste just as good.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each slice of Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake (based on 12 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 340
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 5g

Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, while oats in the crumble bring heart-healthy benefits. This dessert can be tweaked for lower sugar or fat content if desired. However, it’s undeniably a treat that’s worth every bite!

Conclusion

This Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a dessert that’s destined to become a family favorite. The layers of buttery crust, dreamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and golden crumble create a showstopping treat that feels as comforting as it is indulgent.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get baking—this cheesecake is calling your name!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes! Pears, peaches, or berries can be swapped in for the apples. Each will give the cheesecake a unique twist.

Do I need a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removal easier, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper as an alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake is best made a day ahead to allow it to set properly in the fridge overnight.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Bake it in a water bath or place a pan of water on the rack beneath the cheesecake to create steam.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set, and the center jiggles slightly when you shake the pan gently.

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