Apple Crumble Cheesecake (Ready-to-Print Version)

Layers of creamy filling, spiced apples, and buttery crumble create a rich autumn dessert to enjoy.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 crackers, finely crushed)
02 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Spiced Apple Layer

06 - 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
07 - 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cheesecake Filling

15 - 32 oz cream cheese (4 packages), room temperature
16 - 1 cup granulated sugar
17 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
18 - 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
19 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
20 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Crumble Topping

22 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
23 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
24 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
25 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
26 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
27 - 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
28 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the base of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate to set.
02 - In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook, stirring frequently, until apples soften and mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
03 - Beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracking.
04 - Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Pour the cheesecake filling over the apple layer, smoothing the top gently.
05 - Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle topping evenly over cheesecake filling.
06 - Place springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
07 - Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Remove from water bath, run a knife around edges to loosen, and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight before serving.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
02 - Using a water bath prevents cracks and ensures evenly baked custard.