If you’ve ever wanted the comforting warmth of an apple crumble and the creamy richness of a cheesecake all in one bite, this apple crumble cheesecake recipe is your dream come true. It’s my go-to dessert for holidays, cozy weekends, and those moments when you want something that feels homemade but looks like it came from a dessert restaurant. I first made this for a family gathering one autumn evening—the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled the house and everyone kept asking for seconds. Since then, this recipe has been a signature part of my fall baking. In this article, I’ll show you how to make the perfect apple cheesecake crumble with a buttery cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a golden crumble topping that makes every slice unforgettable.
The Story Behind the Perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake
The Inspiration for This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Growing up, my grandmother would bake her famous apple pie every weekend. When I started experimenting with cheesecakes, I combined her classic apple pie topping with my favorite New York-style cheesecake. The result? The Big Apple Crumb Cheesecake, a dessert that blends nostalgia and indulgence. The balance between tart apples, cinnamon spice, and creamy filling makes this the ultimate yummy food dessert for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Stands Out Among Apple Cheesecake Crumbles
Unlike other recipes, this one keeps the crust crisp, the cheesecake smooth, and the apples tender but not mushy. The cookie crust adds a subtle nutmeg note that enhances the flavor. The topping, baked to golden perfection, creates that irresistible crumble texture. Whether you’re a home baker or a dessert restaurant pastry chef, this version guarantees a flawless result every time.
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy apple crumble cheesecake with a cinnamon cookie crust, baked apples, and golden crumble topping.
Ingredients
COOKIE CRUST:
200 g digestive or graham crackers
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tbsp dark brown sugar
50 g butter (melted)
APPLES AND CRUMBLE:
150 g diced apples
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
100 g flour
80 g dark brown sugar
70 g butter (soft)
CHEESECAKE:
600 g cream cheese
200 g sugar
150 g sour cream
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 160ºC/325ºF.
2. Blend cookies, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add melted butter and mix.
3. Press into pan and bake 10 minutes.
4. Dice apples, mix with sugar and cinnamon. Prepare crumble with flour, sugar, and butter.
5. Beat cream cheese with sugar, add sour cream mixture, vanilla, and eggs.
6. Pour batter into crust, top with apples and crumble.
7. Bake 1 hr 20–30 min in water bath.
8. Cool in oven 1 hr, then chill for 6 hrs.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith.
Chill overnight for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Crafting the Ultimate Cookie Crust
A Fragrant Base for the Apple Crumble Cheesecake
The crust is where the magic begins. To make it, blend digestive or graham crackers with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the texture resembles soft sand. Pour in melted butter and pulse until combined. This fragrant mix forms the sturdy, flavorful foundation of your cheesecake.
Baking the Crust to Perfection
Line a 22 cm (9 in) springform pan with parchment paper. Press the crust firmly into the bottom and sides using the base of a glass. Bake for 10 minutes at 160ºC (325ºF), then let it cool until just warm. This step seals the crust and prevents sogginess, ensuring every bite of your apple crumble cheesecake has the right crunch.
Preparing the Apples and Crumble Topping
The Heart of Every Apple Pie Crumble Cheesecake
Dice your apples finely and toss them in granulated sugar and cinnamon. As they rest, the sugar will draw out a bit of juice—avoid adding that liquid to your cheesecake to keep the texture firm. This simple mix captures that warm, spiced flavor of a Julie Marie Eats Apple Crumble Cheesecake.
Creating the Crumble
Mix flour, dark brown sugar, and softened butter until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture. The crumble will bake to a golden, crisp layer on top of your cheesecake, adding the perfect contrast to the creamy filling below. Set both apple mixture and crumble aside as you prepare the cheesecake base.
The Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Whipping the Perfect Cheesecake Batter
Start with room-temperature cream cheese and beat it gently until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then scrape down the sides of your bowl. In a separate dish, combine sour cream and cornstarch, then add them with vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Blend on low speed to keep the batter airy. Add one egg at a time, mixing gently between each addition.
Assembling and Baking Your Apple Cheesecake Crumble
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Layer the spiced apples evenly across the top, followed by the crumble. Place the springform pan inside a larger cake pan and set it in a water bath (about ⅔ up the sides) to ensure even baking. Bake for 1 hour 20–30 minutes until the center is slightly wobbly. Let it cool in the oven for 1 hour, then at room temperature for another hour. Chill for at least six hours, preferably overnight. This step ensures a smooth, velvety texture that defines every great apple crumble cheesecake recipe.
Serving and Storing
How to Serve the Big Apple Crumb Cheesecake
Once chilled, slice your cheesecake with a warm knife for clean edges. Serve it cold or let it rest 15 minutes at room temperature for a creamier bite. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. The aroma and flavor are reminiscent of a recette patisserie facile straight from a Parisian café.
Storing Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use other apples for this apple crumble cheesecake recipe?
Yes! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best due to their firm texture and balanced tartness.
2. Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath?
You can, but a water bath helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture creamy.
3. How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
It should be slightly wobbly in the center but set around the edges. It will firm up as it cools.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—just replace the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies and use gluten-free flour for the crumble.
Conclusion
This apple crumble cheesecake recipe is where two dessert worlds collide in the most delicious way. With its spiced cookie crust, creamy cheesecake base, and sweet apple crumble topping, it’s a dessert that wins hearts and satisfies every craving. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe turns a simple idea into an unforgettable masterpiece. Try it once, and it’ll become your signature dessert too.
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