Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Apple crumble cheesecake gives the classic decadent dessert a fall makeover. It features a spiced biscuit crust, cinnamon apples, and buttery streusel topping.

This apple crumble cheesecake recipe gives the rich and creamy dessert an autumn twist. With a spiced biscuit crust underneath, cinnamon apples, and crunchy streusel topping, you’ll fall in love with the sweet flavors of autumn in every slice. 🍂

And if you’re intimidated with baking cheesecake at home, I got you!

Finish this entire read as you would finish a slice of apple crumble cheesecake, and you’ll find out the secrets to baking the perfect crack-free cheesecake. 😉

What Is Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

I think it’s safe to say that apple crumble cheesecake is fall’s ultimate cheesecake. 

It’s a creamy cheesecake (albeit guilt-inducing 😅) with the warm sweetness of cinnamon apples from an apple pie and the buttery crunch of an apple crumble. 

This is one of those desserts that will please even people who aren’t usually fans of sweet treats because it’s not overwhelmingly rich or sickly sweet.

Introduce cheesecake to the sweet side of fall using apples, streusel, and warm spices! Because it’s not your typical cheesecake, this apple crumb cheesecake will surely impress at your holiday gathering. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Autumn’s Cheesecake: This apple crumble cheesecake recipe puts a new twist on an old favorite by featuring the sweet and warm flavors of apple, nutmeg, and cinnamon in everyone’s favorite decadent dessert. 
• Holiday-Ready: Serve this apple cheesecake crumble on your holiday dessert table! Hosts will appreciate this make-ahead dessert because it’s even better if left to set in the fridge overnight before slicing. 
• Adaptable Dessert: This apple crumble-style cheesecake is a dessert that is open to suggestions! Add different toppings, experiment with biscuit crusts, or swap ingredients for the cheesecake filling. 

What Does Apple Cheesecake Crumble Taste Like?

Apple crumble cheesecake is a decadent experience from top to bottom. It tastes like three desserts in one. 

The smooth and creamy cheesecake is studded with apple cinnamon chunks that’ll remind you of a warm apple pie. But it doesn’t stop there.

You’ll also love the texture contrast from the crisp, buttery streusel on top and the biscuit crust spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg underneath.

Just be patient and let your apple cheesecake crumble chill overnight, and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that will literally make you fall head over heels for the season’s sweet and cozy flavors. 😋

Is This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe Healthy?

As expected with a cheesecake recipe, this cheesecake with apple crumble is not something you should eat in greedy amounts. But if you’re like me, who’s very mindful of her eating habits but is also a slave to her sweet tooth, I think I’ve cracked the code on how we can enjoy the occasional cheesecake slice guilt-free.

How? Well, I’ve just mentioned it!

Enjoy it occasionally, or perhaps limit the portion to a slice or two. 

Since cheesecake can be high in calories, it’s also better to eat with healthy dishes.

If you need something filling that won’t have you feeling guilty, try my personal favorite: chicken lettuce wraps.

What Are The Benefits Of Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

If you love apple pie, apple crumble, and cheesecake, then there’s no reason for you to sleep on this apple cheesecake crumble!

It features sweet apple chunks tossed with cinnamon and a yummy crisp streusel, contrasting the creamy cheesecake filling with spiced biscuit crust. It’s probably the dessert your Thanksgiving table needs!

And in just a few scrolls down, you’ll also learn some tips to keep your cheesecake from cracking. Your cheesecake will come out perfectly smooth using our clever water bath hack that uses a cake pan. 😋

But if worse comes to worst and your cheesecake ends up with cracks, don’t worry! This dessert is still ready to impress.

Remember that it’ll be covered with apples and streusel anyway, so no one will even notice!

Ingredients For Cheesecake With Apple Crumble

Crust:

• Digestive cookies – Feel free to use other biscuits or cookies for your cheesecake crust. Some yummy ideas are Biscoff cookies and, of course, graham crackers.
• Brown sugar – Brown sugar is perfect for sweetening our cheesecake crust because it also has a deep, caramel-like flavor. 😋
• Cinnamon – This cheesecake is not a fall cheesecake with this warm spice!
• Nutmeg – Nutmeg is another must-have spice for any autumn treat.
• Butter – Besides the rich flavor, unsalted butter binds the baked crust together.

Apple crumble:

• Apples – I’ve picked Honeycrisp apples for this cheesecake with apple crumble recipe. It’s sweet and won’t lose its shape after baking. 
• Granulated sugar – To sweeten our apple mixture. 
• Cinnamon – This cinnamon-apple topping will surely remind you of your favorite apple pie growing up!
• All-purpose flour – Together with butter, this creates a delicious crumbly texture that instantly elevates desserts! Don’t you love streusel on just about everything???
• Brown sugar – Sweetens the streusel and helps create a delicious, crumbly texture. 
• Butter – For flavor and to keep the crumble mixture together.

Cheesecake:

• Cream cheese – Use room-temperature cream cheese. That’s it; that’s the secret to a lump-free cheesecake batter! It’ll be easier to cream with an electric mixer’s paddle attachment, and you won’t risk overbeating it.
• Granulated sugar – To sweeten the cheesecake filling. 
• Sour cream – Adds another layer of flavor to the cheesecake filling thanks to its tanginess. Sour cream also softens the texture of the filling, so it’s rich and creamy, perfectly complementing the crumble and crust. 🤤
• Cornstarch – Thickens the apple crumble style cheesecake.
• Vanilla extract – I would argue that this is a must-have in any dessert!
• Eggs – This apple crumble cheesecake recipe is baked, so we’ll use eggs to help the filling set. Just make sure to also use room-temperature eggs!

Tools Needed To Prepare This Cheesecake Apple Crumble Recipe

• Springform pan for baking the cheesecake
• Parchment paper for lining the springform pan
• Mixing bowls for mixing the ingredients
• Stand mixer for beating the cheesecake filling
• Cake pan for the water bath (keep reading to know how the cake pan hack works for baking cheesecake!)
• Roasting pan for the water bath

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Apple Cheesecake Crumble

Sour cream

If you don’t have sour cream to add tanginess and make the filling perfectly creamy, you can always substitute it with Greek yogurt.

Oats

Add more texture to the cinnamon apple crumble topping with oats!

Caramel sauce

A drizzle of caramel sauce on top might be the finishing touch your sweet tooth is looking for in this apple crumb cheesecake.

How To Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 2/3 cups digestive cookies
• 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 3 1/2 tbsp butter, melted

For the apple crumble:

• 1 1/4 cups apples, diced
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 cup and 2 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 6 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• 5 tbsp butter, room temperature

For the cheesecake:

• 21 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs, room temperature

Tools you need:

• Springform pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer
• Cake pan
• Roasting pan

Instructions:

Gather the ingredients for your apple crumble cheesecake and preheat the oven to 325ºF. Line your springform pan with parchment paper.

Crust:

STEP 1: Blend the digestive cookies with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the consistency resembles sand.

STEP 2: Add the melted butter and mix to form the crust.

STEP 3: Press the cookie crust into the bottom of the springform pan. Make sure it’s flat and even.

STEP 4: Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

Apple crumble:

STEP 1: Toss the diced apples in granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

STEP 2: In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and butter to form the crumble.

Cheesecake:

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 320°F.

STEP 2: Beat cream cheese on low speed, then slowly add the granulated sugar.

STEP 3: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then continue mixing on low speed for a minute.

STEP 4: In another bowl, mix sour cream and cornstarch.

STEP 5: Together with vanilla extract, add the sour cream to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed until smooth and combined.

STEP 6: Next, add one egg at a time, still mixing at low speed.

STEP 7: After adding all the eggs, scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat the cheesecake batter one more time to ensure everything is well incorporated.

STEP 8: Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.

STEP 9: Scatter the apples over the cheesecake, then top with the crumble.

STEP 10: For the water bath, place the springform pan in a cake pan, then put the cake pan in a roasting pan.

STEP 11: Fill the roasting pan with hot water about halfway up the cake pan.

STEP 12: Bake the apple crumble cheesecake for 1 hour and 25 minutes or until the cheesecake is a bit wobbly in the center.

STEP 13: Turn off the heat and open the oven door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for an hour before taking it out.

STEP 14: Place the cheesecake on a cooling rack and let it come to room temperature. It usually takes an hour for the cheesecake to cool down completely.

STEP 15: This cheesecake is best served after placing it in the fridge to set for at least 6 hours or, much better, overnight.

What To Serve With Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Serve your apple cheesecake crumble with salted caramel topping, candied pecans, or vanilla ice cream! 

Fresh apple slices would also be the perfect garnish when you arrange this cheesecake on your holiday dessert table. 

But for drinks, instead of the usual coffee or tea, try apple crumble cheesecake with milkshakes. Our salted caramel milkshake and apple pie milkshake fit the bill! 🤤

Tips About Making Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Don’t let your confidence crumble with this apple crumble cheesecake. Just keep these tips in mind:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese and beat it until no more chunks are left. If the filling is not smooth, you might end up with a lumpy, cracked cheesecake. 
• Add your eggs one at a time and mix the filling on low speed. Otherwise, you’ll incorporate too much air into the cheesecake batter, which is something you have to be careful with since it can also cause cracks. 
• I prefer the cake pan method for the water bath, but if you don’t have one, you can wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil twice. Wrap it tightly to ensure water won’t get into the crust and make it soggy. 

How To Store Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Apple cheesecake crumble is best sliced and served after setting in the fridge for 6 hours, or much better, overnight. But for longer storage and if you’re curious if the perfect fall dessert can be frozen, read these:

• Fridge: This apple crumble cheesecake can last up to 5 days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container (and label it with your name to keep other housemates from stealing it, haha!).
• Freezer: You can freeze apple crumble cheesecake, but expect that the topping won’t be as crunchy. Freeze uncovered for an hour before wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil. It should store well for a month or two.

What’s The Role of Cornstarch In The Cheesecake Filling?

By using cornstarch in the cheesecake filling, you can feel confident that your cheesecake will hold its shape well and stay firm for slicing.

It also prevents cracking, so if you often get cracks on your homemade baked cheesecake, this might be the ingredient you’re missing. 

Speaking of cracks, you don’t need to crack under pressure when baking this decadent treat at home. Try our two easy cheesecake recipes, perfect for strawberry and blueberry lovers!

• Protein Strawberry Cheesecake: This dessert is enriched with protein! 💪
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: The perfect treat for lovers of tangy and sweet. 

Is The Water Bath Necessary, Or Is There An Alternative Method To Achieve The Same Texture?

It’s possible to make cheesecake without a water bath, but if you want to get the best cheesecake, this method is necessary for the perfect texture. 

Understand that if you bake a cheesecake without a water bath, you’ll risk over-cooking it. The cheesecake will get a cracked top and curdled texture.

But if you’re still anxious about baking cheesecake and want an easier way to satisfy your cravings for the decadent dessert, try our two fool-proof cheesecake recipes. 

• Japanese Cheesecake – Make the viral jiggly dessert at home with this easy recipe. 
• Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites: Yup, you can make sweets with your Instant Pot!

What Should The Texture Of The Crumble Be Like?

The texture of a crumble is crispy and chunky. And if we’re talking about a streusel, crumble, crumb topping, or whatever you want to call it, we can describe it as sand-like to coarse, depending on the other ingredients used. 

I also discovered that American crumble is more on the sandy side, while German streusel is cookie-like because the two differ in ingredient ratios. 

But anyway, if you have some leftover crumble from this apple crumble cheesecake recipe, don’t let it go to waste!

Use it on our gluten-free apple muffins. 🤤

What’s the Best Type of Apple to Use for the Apple Crumble Topping?

Unsure what apple to use for apple crumble? You can go with Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples because they withstand cooking really well. 

And if you have too many sweet-tart apples left, take them on your camping trip and make a dessert outdoors!

Here’s an easy Dutch oven apple cobbler recipe that proves baking is not limited inside a home.

FAQ About Cheesecake Baking

Conclusion

This apple crumble cheesecake is about to become the apple of your eye this autumn!

Featuring the fall flavors we love, this cheesecake is like three desserts in one! You have cinnamon sugar apples from apple pie and buttery, sweet streusel from apple crumble on top of a creamy cheesecake with a spiced biscuit crust. 

This fall baking project won’t have you cracking under pressure as long as you keep our tips in mind to keep your cheesecake smooth and crack-free.

Remember not to overlook the water bath and be patient in letting the cheesecake cool and set. 

Love apples? This autumn, go bananas for apples with these easy but impressive recipes:

• Apple Cinnamon Blondies
• Easy Fluffy Caramel Apple Pancakes
• Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread
• Apple Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette
• Spiked Apple Cider Floats