Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

If you’ve ever struggled to choose between a slice of cheesecake or a piece of apple crumble, this dessert brings the best of both worlds to your plate. Introducing the Apple Crumble Cheesecake—a creamy, tangy cheesecake layered with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery oat crumble. It’s the perfect treat for fall, but honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser all year round. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is bound to impress.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to create your very own Apple Crumble Cheesecake.

Sweet Beginnings:

1.The Apple Pie Filling

The star of this cheesecake is the juicy apple pie filling, packed with warm flavors and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. We recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tart bite, which balances the sweetness of the cheesecake perfectly.

Start by peeling and slicing three Granny Smith apples, which should yield about three cups. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your apples with light brown sugar, cinnamon, water, lemon juice, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. The butter melts and coats the apples, giving them that glossy finish and rich taste.

Once the apples are slightly soft (about 8–10 minutes), stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Simmer this mix for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prep the other layers.

Building the Base:

2.Graham Cracker Crust

No cheesecake is complete without a sturdy, flavorful crust. This one uses classic graham cracker crumbs enhanced with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. The combination creates a texture that’s crisp yet melts in your mouth.

Mix all the crust ingredients in a small bowl until they resemble wet sand. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. This forms a delicious, crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Set the crust aside while you move on to the next layer of flavor.

3.Crunchy Finish: Oat Crumble Topping

The crumble topping gives this cheesecake that iconic apple crumble twist. With oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter, it bakes up golden and crisp on top of the apple layer.

In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly clumps form. Don’t skip chilling this crumble in the fridge—it helps it firm up and ensures the topping holds its texture during baking.

The Main Event:

4.Cheesecake Filling

This cheesecake filling is ultra-rich, creamy, and smooth thanks to a base of cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and eggs. Softened cream cheese is key—beating it while it’s still cold can cause lumps. So make sure it’s at room temperature before you begin.

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add in sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt for balance. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid incorporating too much air (which can cause cracks).

5.Layering the Magic

Now comes the fun part—layering all the goodness. Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared crust and smooth the top. Gently spoon the cooled apple pie filling over the top of the cheesecake layer. Finally, scatter the chilled crumble topping across the apple layer.

Place your springform pan on a baking sheet just in case there’s any leakage during baking. Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake for 60–75 minutes. The cheesecake should be mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center.

6.Cooling Down

Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it—this helps prevent cracks as it cools. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.

The Grand Finale:

7.Caramel Drizzle

Right before serving, give your Apple Crumble Cheesecake a luxurious touch by drizzling it with caramel sauce. It complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully and takes this dessert to the next level.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Either way, prepare for compliments.

Tips for Cheesecake Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly without lumps.

• Don’t overmix the eggs: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in the cheesecake.

• Bake with care: Keep an eye on the cheesecake towards the end of the baking time. If the top is browning too much but the center still needs time, lightly tent the top with foil.

• Chill thoroughly: Cheesecake always tastes better after resting in the fridge. Give it time to set properly.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a special event, holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something delicious, this Apple Crumble Cheesecake will not disappoint. The combination of smooth cream cheese, tart apples, and buttery oat crumble is absolutely irresistible.

Plus, this recipe can be made in advance—perfect if you’re hosting a party and want one less thing to stress about.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. It has layers of flavor and texture that work together like magic. The tart apples cut through the rich cheesecake, while the buttery crust and crunchy crumble topping add the perfect bite.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up something truly special. One bite and you’ll agree—this cheesecake is the ultimate comfort dessert.

And hey, don’t forget that caramel drizzle. It’s the cherry on top (or should we say, the golden ribbon on this cheesecake masterpiece).

Also Try Sun-dried Tomato and Mozzarella Flatbread Recipe

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Discover the ultimate Apple Crumble Cheesecake recipe with creamy layers, spiced apple filling, and buttery crumble topping.

Type: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple crumble cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, apple cheesecake, fall dessert, apple dessert

Recipe Yield: 12 servings

Calories: Approximately 520 per slice (varies slightly depending on toppings and portions)

Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Cooking Time: 75 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours (including chilling time)

Recipe Ingredients:

• 3 Granny Smith apples (about 3 cups), peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (71g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (56g)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (170g)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
• 7 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (98g)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (106g)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats or quick oats (50g)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (84g)
• 32 oz cream cheese, softened (910g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (198g)
• 2/3 cup sour cream (160g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4 eggs, room temperature

Recipe Instructions:

The Apple Pie Filling:

Start by peeling and slicing three Granny Smith apples, which should yield about three cups. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your apples with light brown sugar, cinnamon, water, lemon juice, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. The butter melts and coats the apples, giving them that glossy finish and rich taste. Once the apples are slightly soft (about 8–10 minutes), stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Simmer this mix for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prep the other layers.

Graham Cracker Crust:

No cheesecake is complete without a sturdy, flavorful crust. This one uses classic graham cracker crumbs enhanced with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. The combination creates a texture that’s crisp yet melts in your mouth. Mix all the crust ingredients in a small bowl until they resemble wet sand. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. This forms a delicious, crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Set the crust aside while you move on to the next layer of flavor.

Oat Crumble Topping:

The crumble topping gives this cheesecake that iconic apple crumble twist. With oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter, it bakes up golden and crisp on top of the apple layer. In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly clumps form. Don’t skip chilling this crumble in the fridge—it helps it firm up and ensures the topping holds its texture during baking.

Cheesecake Filling:

This cheesecake filling is ultra-rich, creamy, and smooth thanks to a base of cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and eggs. Softened cream cheese is key—beating it while it’s still cold can cause lumps. So make sure it’s at room temperature before you begin. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add in sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt for balance. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid incorporating too much air (which can cause cracks).

Layering the Magic:

Now comes the fun part—layering all the goodness. Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared crust and smooth the top. Gently spoon the cooled apple pie filling over the top of the cheesecake layer. Finally, scatter the chilled crumble topping across the apple layer. Place your springform pan on a baking sheet just in case there’s any leakage during baking. Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake for 60–75 minutes. The cheesecake should be mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Cooling Down:

Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it—this helps prevent cracks as it cools. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.

Caramel Drizzle:

Right before serving, give your Apple Crumble Cheesecake a luxurious touch by drizzling it with caramel sauce. It complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully and takes this dessert to the next level. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Either way, prepare for compliments.