Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Let me introduce you to the dessert of your dreams: Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Imagine the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake paired with the sweet warmth of caramelized apples and the irresistible crunch of a buttery crumble topping. It’s like a classic apple pie met a cheesecake, and they decided to become best friends. The result? A mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, this one is going to steal the show at your next gathering, or even make a cozy treat for a night in.

Why You’ll Love Apple Crumble Cheesecake

• Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The rich and creamy cheesecake layer complements the tart apples, while the crumble topping adds that irresistible, buttery crunch. It’s a balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy that will have you reaching for another slice.
• Showstopper Dessert: This dessert is beautiful, decadent, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday feast, a birthday, or a Sunday treat.
• Texture Explosion: From the creamy filling to the tender apples and crunchy crumble, each bite delivers a little something different. It’s a texture lover’s dream!
• Customizable: You can easily swap out the apples for pears, peaches, or even berries for a different twist. And the crumble topping? Well, you can make it as sweet and buttery as you like.
• Satisfying: It’s the kind of dessert that satisfies your cravings without being overly heavy—just the right amount of indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of any great cheesecake crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the crumbs stick together.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the tang of the cheesecake.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese: The creamy base that makes up the heart of any cheesecake.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness to the filling.
• Granulated sugar: For that sweet contrast to the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Helps set the filling and give it that rich texture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings everything together beautifully.

For the Apple Layer:

• Apples: Choose a tart variety like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the crumble and cheesecake.
• Brown sugar: Adds richness and a deep caramelized flavor to the apples.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements apples perfectly.
• Butter: Helps cook the apples down to tender, sweet perfection.

For the Crumble Topping:

• Oats: Adds chewiness and a bit of heartiness to the topping.
• Flour: Helps bind the crumble together.
• Butter: Of course, butter makes everything better—especially in a crumble!
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the topping and adds a little depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon: A perfect complement to the apples and adds warmth to the crumble.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture sticks together when pressed. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan (or any 9-inch round pan) to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Apple Layer

While the crust cools, prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still holding their shape. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Be sure not to overbeat the eggs to avoid air bubbles in the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in your pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Carefully layer the cooked apples on top of the cheesecake filling, making sure to evenly distribute them.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The crumble should be golden brown and the apples tender. If the crumble begins to brown too much before the cheesecake is done, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to let the flavors meld and the cheesecake set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrate: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 18%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake

• With Whipped Cream: A fluffy cloud of whipped cream on top is the perfect finishing touch for this dessert.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cheesecake for an extra indulgent experience.
• For Special Occasions: This dessert is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family gathering—it’s guaranteed to impress.

Additional Tips

• Use Tart Apples: The tartness of Granny Smith apples is perfect for cutting through the richness of the cheesecake and the sweetness of the crumble. But you can use any apple variety you prefer.
• Make Ahead: You can make this cheesecake the day before you plan to serve it. In fact, it only gets better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours.
• Crumble Variations: Feel free to add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the crumble for extra texture and flavor.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re expecting a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and making a larger cheesecake in a 10-inch pan.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a cookie crust, you can use crushed Oreos or even a shortbread cookie crust instead of the graham cracker crust.

Q2: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
A2: Yes, pears, peaches, or berries would also work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time for the fruit to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.

Q3: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the cheesecake before adding the crumble topping for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the topping and serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cheesecake keeps well for a few days after baking, and the flavors continue to meld!

Q5: Can I make this cheesecake without sour cream?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor or even use heavy cream for a richer, smoother filling.

Q6: Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A6: Yes, you can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan, but make sure to line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Q7: How can I make this cheesecake less sweet?
A7: You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cheesecake filling and the crumble topping to suit your taste. You can also use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit for a lower-calorie version.

Q8: Can I add a streusel topping instead of a crumble?
A8: Yes! A streusel topping made with butter, flour, oats, and brown sugar would work just as well and add a different texture to the dessert.

Q9: Can I make this cheesecake without the crumble topping?
A9: Yes, you can skip the crumble topping if you prefer a more classic cheesecake. Just be sure to add extra flavor to the apples or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for some texture.

Q10: Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
A10: Absolutely! You can swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie. Just make sure to check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate comfort dessert—perfectly balanced with a creamy filling, caramelized apples, and a crunchy crumble topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and homey, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, bake this beauty, and get ready to indulge in layers of goodness!

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