Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Apple Crumble Cheesecake perfectly combines the richness of creamy cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of baked apples and a crunchy crumble topping. This dessert is ideal for autumn celebrations, Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or cozy evenings, offering both indulgence and seasonal flair in one stunning dish.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Apple Topping

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Crumble Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Preparing the Apple Topping

1. In a medium bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
2. Arrange apple slices evenly over the cheesecake filling.

Preparing the Crumble Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle crumble evenly over the apples.

Baking

1. Bake the cheesecake for 55–65 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
2. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
3. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serving

1. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
2. Slice and serve chilled. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

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Tips & Tricks

• Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Avoid Cracks: Bake in a water bath or leave the door slightly open after baking.
• Make-Ahead: Cheesecake tastes even better after refrigerating overnight.
• Crumble Variation: Add chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives; substitute eggs with flax eggs.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and oats.
• Spice Twist: Add cardamom or ginger to the crumble for unique autumn flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Great for holiday desserts, potlucks, or fall dinner parties.
• Can be cut into mini cheesecakes for individual servings.

Fun Facts / Cultural Context

Cheesecake has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, where it was often served to athletes during the first Olympic Games. Combining seasonal apples and crumble topping is a classic fall adaptation, popular in North America during Thanksgiving and autumn celebrations. Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm, comforting flavors associated with the season, making this dessert both nostalgic and indulgent.