There’s something about the combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, spiced apple crumble that sends my taste buds into a joyous dance. Imagine slicing through a velvety cheesecake topped with a crumbly, buttery layer of apples and cinnamon that practically shouts “Fall!” with every bite. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making everyone wonder what magical dessert you’ve conjured up.
I remember the first time I made this apple crumble cheesecake for a family gathering. My uncle, who prides himself on being the dessert connoisseur, took one bite and declared it the best dessert he had ever tasted. Little did he know, I had been secretly perfecting this recipe for months! Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy evening at home, this delightful dessert is bound to steal the show and warm your heart. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This apple crumble cheesecake requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor satisfaction
- The contrasting textures of smooth cheesecake and crunchy crumble are simply irresistible
- It’s not just beautiful; it’s a showstopper that impresses at any gathering
- Perfect for any season but especially comforting during fall festivities
Making this apple crumble cheesecake has always brought smiles to my family’s faces; it’s basically the unofficial star of our holiday dinners.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for a rich and smooth texture in your cheesecake filling.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can also use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Eggs: Fresh eggs bind everything together perfectly, giving your cheesecake that creamy consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; skip imitation if you can.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed graham crackers for a classic crust with a hint of sweetness.
Butter: Melted butter holds the crust together; don’t skimp on quality here.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work great; they balance out the sweetness beautifully.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the apple topping, making it irresistible.
Oats: Rolled oats provide texture in the crumble topping—opt for old-fashioned oats for best results.
Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch to your crumble topping—feel free to mix them in!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until fully combined and press firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Create the Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing well before incorporating eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until creamy.
Add Apple Topping: Peel and slice apples thinly. Toss them with cinnamon and sugar before spreading evenly over your cheesecake filling in the pan.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, and optional nuts until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the apple layer.
Bake it Up!: Place in preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least four hours (or overnight if you can wait!).
Enjoy each bite of this delectable apple crumble cheesecake as it transports you back to cozy gatherings filled with laughter and love!
You Must Know
- This apple crumble cheesecake combines two classic desserts, offering creamy textures and a crunchy topping
- The combination of sweet apples and rich cheesecake creates an irresistible flavor explosion
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the cheesecake filling while preheating the oven to 325°F for optimal baking results. Prepare the crumble topping simultaneously so you can layer everything seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or berries based on your preference. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, let your cheesecake cool gradually in the oven after baking
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Always taste your apple mixture before adding sugar, as sweetness varies by variety
Baking this dessert brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and delicious aromas. She always said that sharing food was sharing love, and this recipe embodies that sentiment perfectly.
FAQ
What type of apples are best for apple crumble cheesecake?
Granny Smith apples work well due to their tartness, balancing the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for preparing one day ahead; just chill overnight before serving.
Is it possible to freeze apple crumble cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap tightly and store for up to three months for best quality.
Apple Crumble Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the perfect autumn treat with this Apple Crumble Cheesecake. This delightful dessert combines a velvety cheesecake base with a spiced apple topping and a crunchy crumble, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this showstopper is sure to impress your guests and warm your heart with every bite.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth in another bowl. Gradually add sugar, then mix in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.
- Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, then layer over the cheesecake filling in the pan.
- For the crumble topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and optional nuts with melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least four hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Feel free to substitute apples with pears or berries for different flavor profiles.
