This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert, bringing together three favorites—apple pie, crumb topping, and creamy cheesecake—into one irresistible recipe. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake, spiced apple filling, and a golden oat crumble topping, it’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity.
Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy autumn evening, this dessert looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Each slice is full of warm cinnamon flavor and creamy indulgence, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Apple Layer:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until creamy. Pour filling over crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Make the Crumble
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
Step 5: Bake
- Place cheesecake in a water bath (springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water). Bake for 60–70 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
- Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Variation
- Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to topping.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and oats.
Cooking Notes
- Room temperature cream cheese makes a smooth filling.
- Water bath helps prevent cracks.
- Overnight chilling deepens flavor and firms texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Perfect as a holiday centerpiece dessert.
Tips
- Slice apples thinly so they soften fully.
- Don’t overmix eggs to avoid cracks.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: ~6 hours
Nutritional Info (per slice, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Apple Crumble Cheesecake ahead of time?
- Yes, it’s best made a day in advance to chill overnight.
Q2: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
- Yes, freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q3: What apples work best?
- Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness—or a mix of both.
Q4: Can I skip the water bath?
- Yes, but the cheesecake may crack. A water bath ensures an even bake.
Q5: Can I make this without oats?
- Yes, replace oats with extra flour for a streusel-style topping.
Conclusion
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert—rich, creamy cheesecake layered with spiced apples and topped with a buttery crumble. It’s a show-stopping recipe that blends two classics into one unforgettable bite. Whether for holidays, dinner parties, or family gatherings, this cheesecake will always impress.