Apple Crumble Cheesecake

There’s something magical about the moment warm cinnamon-spiced apples meet creamy cheesecake — that perfect mix of cozy and decadent. This Apple Crumble Cheesecake captures everything you love about fall in one irresistible dessert. The buttery crust, the smooth cheesecake center, and that golden, crunchy crumble topping — it’s comfort baked into every bite.

Whether you’re planning a festive dinner or craving a sweet slice on a quiet weekend, this cheesecake brings that dessert restaurant quality straight to your home. It’s simple to make ahead, slices beautifully, and pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even warm apple cider. Think of it as part apple pie, part cheesecake, and 100% happiness.

• ✔️ Combines the best of apple pie and cheesecake with a crisp crumble finish.
• ✔️ Cozy fall flavors: cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and butter.
• ✔️ Foolproof steps and make-ahead friendly — perfect for holidays or gatherings.
• ✔️ Adaptable to your taste — go extra spicy, low-carb, or nutty.
• ✔️ A crowd-pleaser that looks bakery-worthy yet feels homemade.

Ingredients

Below is everything you need to make the perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake — creamy, crunchy, and beautifully layered.

Ingredient	Amount
Graham cracker crumbs	1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter, melted	1/3 cup
Cream cheese, softened	24 oz (3 blocks)
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
Eggs	3 large
Sour cream	1/2 cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced	2 cups
Cinnamon	1 tsp
Flour (for crumble)	3/4 cup
Cold butter, cubed (for crumble)	6 tbsp
Rolled oats (optional)	1/3 cup

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Apples: Tart Granny Smith apples keep their shape and add contrast to the sweet cheesecake. Prefer something sweeter? Honeycrisp or Fuji apples create a soft, juicy layer that melts into the filling.

Cream cheese: Full-fat blocks (not whipped) are key to achieving that dense, silky cheesecake texture. Room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.

Crust: Classic graham cracker crumbs give a light crunch, but try Biscoff cookies for a caramel twist or gluten-free cookies for a lighter bite.

Butter: Use real butter — melted for the crust, chilled for the crumble. It makes all the difference in flavor and crispness.

To add a decadent finish, drizzle with Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip — it complements the spiced apples perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cheesecake might look fancy, but each step is simple. Here’s how to layer those flavors like a pro:

1. Prepare the crust: Combine graham crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream. Pour the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Cook the apples: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced apples with cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Spread evenly over the cheesecake batter.
4. Mix the crumble topping: In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle half over the apple layer.
5. Bake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool slowly to prevent cracks.
6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for perfect slicing. Before serving, top with remaining crumble and a caramel drizzle.

Texture & Baking Tips

• Preheat your oven fully to avoid a soggy crust.
• Wrap your springform pan with foil and use a water bath to achieve a creamy texture without cracks.
• Don’t overmix once eggs are added — it traps air and causes sinking.
• Let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven before chilling.

If you adore cozy apple bakes, try this easy apple crumble recipe for a classic companion dessert.

Flavor Variations

Part of the fun of baking is making it your own! Here are some ideas to give your cheesecake a personal twist:

• Extra Spicy: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for deeper fall warmth.
• Caramel Explosion: Swirl in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake sauce before baking.
• Low-Carb: Use almond flour for the crust and a sugar substitute like erythritol.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to your crumble topping.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for bite-sized portions — perfect for parties!

Sauces, Toppings & Sides

Every cheesecake deserves the right finishing touches. These sides and toppings turn your dessert into a showstopper:

• Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip — rich and perfectly tangy.
• Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for a lighter finish.
• Fried Apple Hand Pies — a fun handheld pairing.
• Toasted pecans or sliced almonds for crunch.
• Autumn Harvest Salad with Honeycrisp Apple & Feta for a refreshing balance.
• Hot coffee, chai, or Pumpkin Spice Milk to sip alongside.

Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Crust falls apart: Add 1–2 tbsp more melted butter or chill crust before baking.
• Crumble too soft: Bake an extra 10 minutes or broil briefly for golden crispness.
• Dry filling: Reduce baking time or add an extra egg yolk for richness.
• Cracks on top: Always use a water bath and cool gradually.
• Bland flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or more cinnamon for balance.
• Soggy base: Avoid overmixing butter in the crust and cool it completely before filling.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store covered up to 5 days — flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Warm a slice in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp the crumble.

Pro tip: Keep the crumble separate if you’re making ahead for maximum crunch.

FAQ

Can I make it ahead? Yes! It’s even better the next day after chilling — the flavors blend beautifully. Can I swap the apples? Absolutely — pears or peaches work great too, especially in summer months. How can I lighten it up? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the sugar slightly for a “lite” version. What’s the best topping? Try a spoonful of caramel cheesecake bar crumble on top for texture and sweetness. What to serve with it? Pair with Pumpkin Spice Milk or hot coffee for the ultimate cozy dessert moment.

Final Sweet Bite

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is everything fall baking should be — rich, aromatic, and comforting. Each forkful combines creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and caramelized apples that melt into a golden crumble topping. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake but elegant enough to impress your guests.

What are you waiting for? Bake it, chill it, slice it, and enjoy it with a mug of Pumpkin Spice Milk or serve after a light Autumn Harvest Salad for the perfect cozy meal. Want more creamy inspiration? Don’t miss these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes — a mini version of indulgence!