Apple Crumble Cheesecake Delight

This apple crumble cheesecake brings together the creamy richness of New Yorkstyle cheesecake with the warm spiced flavors of traditional apple crumble. Layered with tender, cinnamon kissed apples, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a buttery crumble topping, this dessert perfectly captures the cozy spirit of autumn and is sure to impress at any fall gathering or holiday table.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly October evening, and it quickly became a family tradition. Now it's the dessert everyone requests when the leaves start falling and the air turns crisp.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Two cups finely crushed, providing a buttery and sturdy crust base for the cheesecake
• Unsalted butter: Six tablespoons melted for richness and helping the crust hold together without overpowering sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon adds subtle warmth to the crust and complements the apple filling
• Granny Smith apples: Four large peeled and diced for their tart flavor and sturdy texture, perfect for baking
• Brown sugar: One third cup packed for natural sweetness and caramel notes in the spiced apples
• All purpose flour: Used in both the apple layer and crumble topping to thicken and bind ingredients
• Ground nutmeg and ground cloves: Small amounts give the apple filling depth and that classic cozy spice profile
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness to balance the sweetness and helps keep apples from browning
• Cream cheese: Thirty two ounces at room temperature for a smooth and rich filling
• Granulated sugar: One cup for sweetness that balances the tart fruit and rich cheese
• Eggs: Four large at room temperature bind the filling and help achieve a custard texture
• Sour cream: One cup at room temperature adds tang and makes the cheesecake luscious and smooth
• Oldfashioned oats: Half a cup oldfashioned oats in the topping provide texture and nutty flavor
• Cold unsalted butter: Six tablespoons cubed in the crumble topping creates a crisp, golden finish
• Chopped pecans: Optional quarter cup add crunch and a toasty element to the topping
• Vanilla extract: Used in the filling and apple layer to enhance all the flavors and add warmth
• Salt: A pinch here and there enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor
• Choosing apples: Choosing ripe firm Granny Smith apples with a fresh aroma is key for the best flavor and texture in the spiced apple layer

Instructions

Sauté the Apples:

Cook diced Granny Smith apples in butter over medium heat along with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir gently and cook until the apples begin to soften but still hold some shape. This concentrates the flavors and prevents excess moisture later.

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even crust layer. Refrigerate to set while you prepare the filling.

Mix the Cheesecake Filling:

Beat room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Blend in sour cream, vanilla, flour, and salt until the batter is uniform without overmixing to avoid too much air.

Assemble the Layers:

Spread the cooked spiced apples evenly over the chilled crust. Pour the cream cheese filling carefully over the apples and smooth the top. This layering ensures the apples don’t sink and the crust stays crisp.

Make the Crumble Topping:

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans if using.

Add Topping and Bake:

Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the cheesecake. Place the springform pan in a water bath by nesting it in a larger pan filled halfway with hot water. Bake at a moderate temperature for about 75 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.

Cool and Chill:

Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar to prevent cracking. Once room temperature, refrigerate for four to six hours or overnight to let flavors meld and the filling fully set.

My favorite part is the spiced apple layer that adds that perfect balance of tang and warmth to the dessert. One particularly cold fall when we all gathered after a windy hike, this cheesecake was the highlight, warming us up from the inside out.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to freeze, slice the cheesecake first, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a ginger snap or digestive biscuit base for a different flavor. Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter tang. For a nut free version, simply omit the pecans from the crumble topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesecake slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes an indulgent finishing touch. Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or apple cider for a perfect autumn dessert experience.

This apple crumble cheesecake rewards a little advance prep with impressive texture and flavor. Precooking the apples and using a water bath help ensure a crack free, creamy finish.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, holding texture well when spiced and cooked.

→ How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Pre-cooking the spiced apples removes excess moisture, protecting the graham cracker crust from becoming soggy.

→ Why use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream blend more smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring even baking.

→ Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped pecans are optional but add a delightful crunch and complement the cinnamon crumble.

→ What’s the benefit of baking in a water bath?

A water bath provides gentle, evenly distributed heat, helping to avoid cracks and creating a creamy texture throughout.

→ How long should I chill before serving?

Chilling for 4–6 hours or overnight allows the cheesecake to set firmly, enhancing flavors and texture.