Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake (Bakery-Style)

The Ultimate Apple Crumble Cheesecake: A Perfect Fall Dessert

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes  |  Prep time: 45 minutes  |  Total time: Approx. 11 hours (includes cooling)

Key Takeaways

• Four Layers of Heaven: This recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust, a layer of tender spiced apples, ultra-creamy cheesecake filling, and a crunchy oat crumble topping.
• Perfectly Creamy, No Cracks: Our step-by-step water bath and cooling instructions guarantee a silky-smooth cheesecake texture without any cracks.
• A Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: This cheesecake needs to chill overnight, making it the ideal stress-free dessert for holidays, Thanksgiving, or dinner parties. Prepare it a day or two in advance!
• Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own, but even better drizzled with salted caramel sauce and served with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a showstopper for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate autumn dessert: the Apple Crumble Cheesecake. This show-stopping recipe combines the creamy, tangy goodness of a classic New York-style cheesecake with the warm, cozy flavors of a homemade apple crumble. Imagine a crisp graham cracker crust, a layer of perfectly spiced sautéed apples, a rich and velvety cheesecake filling, and a buttery, cinnamon-oat streusel topping. To finish it all off, a generous drizzle of salted caramel makes every bite absolutely unforgettable.

While it may look impressive, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and achievable for bakers of all levels. We’ll walk you through every step, from creating the perfect lump-free batter to using a water bath for a flawless, crack-free finish. This homemade dessert is more than just a cake; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, a comforting treat on a chilly evening, or a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season with family and friends. Making this Apple Crumble Cheesecake from scratch is incredibly rewarding and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using high-quality, room-temperature ingredients is the secret to achieving the perfect texture in this delicious Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need, broken down by component:

Equipment Needed:

• 9-inch (23cm) springform pan
• Mixing bowls (large, medium, small)
• Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
• Small saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper & Aluminum foil
• Large roasting pan (for water bath)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flawless homemade cheesecake from scratch. Take your time with each stage for the best results!

1. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the rest of the components.
2. Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the crumbs are fully moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool on a wire rack.

Creating the Spiced Apple Layer

3. Cook the Apples: While the crust cools, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool completely. This step is crucial for the perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake texture.

Mixing the Perfect Cheesecake Filling

4. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugars: In a large bowl using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese on medium-low speed until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the granulated and brown sugars, and continue to beat on low speed until combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: On low speed, mix in the sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract until just combined. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed only until the yolk of each egg disappears. Do not overmix! Scrape the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Assembly and Water Bath Baking

6. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly over the batter, leaving a small border. Gently pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the apples. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the entire surface.
7. Prepare the Water Bath: Wrap the outside of the springform pan with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pan into a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water bath is essential for an evenly baked, creamy cheesecake.
8. Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the roasting pan in the oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue baking for 60-70 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.

Cooling and Finishing Touches

9. Cool Slowly: Turn off the oven and crack the door open, leaving the cheesecake inside for one hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks. After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the water bath, remove the foil, and let it cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack (1-2 hours).
10. Chill and Serve: Once cool, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight. Before serving, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Baking Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Room Temperature is Key: For the creamiest, lump-free cheesecake, your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream MUST be at room temperature. This ensures they blend together seamlessly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing, especially after adding eggs, incorporates air that can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack as it cools. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as ingredients are combined.
• Embrace the Water Bath: A water bath (bain-marie) is the secret to a perfectly moist and evenly baked cheesecake. It creates a humid environment in the oven and is the best defense against cracks. Don’t skip it!
• Choosing the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape and provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet cheesecake filling.

Easy Variations You Can Try

• Nutty Crumble: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Different Crusts: Not a fan of graham crackers? Substitute with the same weight of crushed Biscoff cookies, shortbread, or gingersnaps for a different flavor profile.
• Spiced Up Filling: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the cheesecake batter itself for an even warmer flavor.
• Bourbon Apples: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the apples while they are cooking in the saucepan.

How to Serve & Store Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake

For the best flavor and texture, serve this Apple Crumble Cheesecake chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Drizzle each slice with extra salted caramel sauce just before serving. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also makes a delicious pairing.

To store, cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, this cheesecake freezes beautifully. First, place individual slices on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. For another fantastic fall dessert, try our Spiced Pumpkin Loaf Cake next.

Watch: How to Make It

Frequently Asked Questions