This creamy apple crumble cheesecake is the perfect blend of sweet apples and rich cream cheese. Topped with a crunchy crumble, it offers a delightful texture contrast!
Honestly, the crumble topping makes me smile every time! It’s like a little surprise of goodness on every bite. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream — pure bliss! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: They give a sweet, crunchy base. If you can’t find them, try digestive biscuits or even crushed Oreos for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese for a smooth filling. Use full-fat for the richest taste. If you need a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tartness that pairs wonderfully with sweetness. Honeycrisp or Fuji works too. Use any apples you like, but avoid soft varieties as they won’t hold up well when baking.
Sour Cream: This adds a nice tang and creaminess. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt can work as a substitute, or use heavy cream for a richer texture.
How Can I Ensure My Cheesecake is Creamy and Not Crumbly?
The key to a creamy cheesecake is beating your cream cheese well. Here’s how:
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften—it’ll mix much easier.
- When adding eggs, beat them in one at a time. This helps incorporate air and create a light texture.
- Avoid overmixing once you add the sour cream. Just mix until combined to keep the batter fluffy.
Remember to bake at a lower temperature. This prevents the outside from cooking too fast, keeping the center creamy. If you notice it starts to puff, take it out!
Easy Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuit crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or heavy cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and about 60 minutes to bake, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, plan for a total of around 5 hours and 20 minutes, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan and set it aside so it’s ready for your delicious cheesecake!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased springform pan, forming a nice crust. Set it aside while you prepare the other layers.
3. Prepare the Apple Topping:
In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced apple slices with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Stir until the apples are well-coated, then set aside to let the flavors blend.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble topping. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pop this in the fridge while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or heavy cream) until everything is just combined.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan. Spread half of the apple topping evenly over this layer. Then, pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth it out with a spatula. Finally, spread the rest of the apple topping over the surface.
7. Add the Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer. This gives your cheesecake that delightful crunchy texture!
8. Bake:
Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking!
9. Cool:
Once baked, cool the cheesecake in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature. After that, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait!
10. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, and it’s delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’d like!
Enjoy your deliciously creamy apple crumble cheesecake! 🍏🍰
FAQ for Easy Creamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to use any apples you enjoy. Just make sure to avoid overly soft varieties, as they won’t hold up well during baking.
How Can I Make This Cheesecake Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the graham crackers or digestive biscuits with gluten-free alternatives. You can find gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or use ground almonds and oats for a crust. Adjust the amounts as needed to achieve the right texture.
Can I Freeze Leftover Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What Should I Do if the Cheesecake Cracks While Baking?
Cracks can happen, but they won’t affect the taste! To minimize cracking, bake at a lower temperature, and avoid opening the oven door while it’s baking. If cracks do appear, you can cover them with the crumble topping or some whipped cream for a beautiful presentation!
