Description
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of baked apples and a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dessert boasts a graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a crunchy apple crumble topping with cinnamon and nutmeg accents.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (24 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Apple Crumble Topping:
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to form the crust base.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a large bowl and mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating each until fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Pour into the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, spreading with a spatula if needed.
- Prepare the Apple Slices: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg until coated.
- Layer the Apples: Evenly arrange the spiced apple slices over the cheesecake filling.
- Make the Crumble: In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour and ½ cup granulated sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and blend with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the Crumble: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple layer, covering it completely.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled cheesecake in the oven for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples with other firm, tart varieties such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn for different flavor profiles.
- Avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling to prevent cracking during baking.
- Resist opening the oven door while baking to maintain temperature stability and prevent sinking.
- This cheesecake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Store-bought graham cracker crust can be used for convenience but homemade crust enhances flavor and texture.
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: apple crumble cheesecake, apple cheesecake recipe, baked apple dessert, creamy cheesecake dessert, holiday cheesecake, autumn desserts
