If you are looking for a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of fall, this Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. It starts with a cinnamon and nutmeg cookie crust that adds a fragrant base, topped with a luscious, velvety cheesecake layer, and finished with tender cinnamon sugar apples and a buttery crumble topping. Every bite brings a perfect balance of sweet and spice, with textures that delight—crunchy crust, smooth filling, and crumbly apple topping. This dessert is ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly scrumptious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with small cubes of apple that still have red skin on some pieces, and they are coated with a layer of cinnamon spice giving them a warm brown dusting. The cubes are roughly all the same size and mixed evenly, showing a mixture of light cream apple flesh and deep red skin underneath the cinnamon. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the texture of the apple pieces looks firm but soft. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe are straightforward but essential, each bringing something unique to the table. The spices infuse warmth, the apples add freshness and natural sweetness, and the creamy cheesecake filling makes for that melt-in-your-mouth sensation we all love.

200 g digestive or graham crackers: Crushed to create a crunchy, flavorful crust base.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic autumnal flavor in the crust and apple topping.
1.5 tablespoon dark brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
50 g butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together for easy pressing into the pan.
150 g diced apple (1-2 apples): Fresh apples provide natural sweetness and texture topping the cheesecake.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Enhances the apples’ sweetness, balancing their tartness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on the apples for extra warmth and spice.
100 g all-purpose flour: Used in the crumble for that delicate, buttery texture.
80 g dark brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the crumble topping deliciously.
70 g butter, room temperature: Helps create the crumbly, buttery texture on top.
600 g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy, tangy heart of the cheesecake.
200 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly.
150 g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the richness.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps stabilize the cheesecake, giving it that perfect texture.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with deep, aromatic flavor.
3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the filling together to create a smooth, custardy texture.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) and lining a 22 cm springform pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, blend the crushed digestive or graham crackers with ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and dark brown sugar until you get a fine, sandy texture. Add melted butter and pulse again until everything is combined. Press this buttery cookie mixture firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of your pan using the bottom of a glass for an even finish. Bake it for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely, so it sets nicely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples and Crumble Topping

While your crust cools, dice the apples into small cubes and toss them with granulated sugar and cinnamon. This will help draw out the apple’s natural juices without making them soggy in the final dish. Next, mix together the flour, dark brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. These two elements will be layered on top of your cheesecake, creating that signature apple crumble finish that makes this recipe so special.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Start by creaming the room temperature cream cheese on low speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything blends smoothly. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and cornstarch until smooth and fold this into the cream cheese mixture along with vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage to keep your cheesecake silky and light.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your creamy cheesecake batter into the cooled cookie crust. Gently spread the cinnamon-sugar apples evenly over the top, followed by the crumble topping. Now, for the secret to a perfectly smooth cheesecake, place the springform pan inside a larger 25 cm cake pan and nestle that inside a baking dish. Carefully pour boiling water into the outer pan to reach about two-thirds up the sides to create a water bath, preventing cracks and helping the cheesecake bake evenly. Bake for 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly when done.

Step 5: Cooling and Setting

Once out of the oven, leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for an hour to cool gradually—this helps prevent cracking. After removing it from the water bath, let it cool to room temperature on a rack for another hour. Finally, cover and refrigerate your Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe for at least 6 hours or overnight. This resting time is crucial for the flavors to meld perfectly and for the cheesecake to set to the ideal texture.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

A round pie with a crumbly brown crust forms the bottom and sides, holding a smooth, pale yellow cream filling. On top, there are many small apple pieces mixed with cinnamon, showing red skin and pale, soft interior, spread evenly but not packed tightly. The pie is in a dark metal pan, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe with a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch that complements the spiced apples perfectly. A few thin slices of fresh apple on top can create a stunning presentation that also signals what’s inside.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dollop of crème fraîche to balance its richness. For a cozy fall gathering, serve it alongside warm spiced tea or a hot cup of coffee. The creamy dessert also works well with a fresh green salad if you want a lighter option afterward.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you could serve individual portions in small jars or cups layered with extra crumble or caramel for added texture. Alternatively, try cutting the cheesecake into bars rather than wedges for an easy grab-and-go treat at parties or picnics. Garnishing with chopped toasted nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt can add a delicious contrast to the sweet flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other odors and to maintain its moisture and texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this dessert in advance or save leftovers for later, the cheesecake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then an aluminum foil layer to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Although cheesecake is usually enjoyed cold, if you prefer it slightly warm, let the slice come to room temperature first and then warm gently in the oven at low heat (around 150ºC/300ºF) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp depending on your preference. Just make sure to dice them small and toss with sugar and cinnamon as instructed.

Why do I need to use a water bath when baking this cheesecake?

The water bath ensures gentle, even heat during baking. It prevents the cheesecake’s surface from cracking and gives it that silky smooth, creamy texture that’s so irresistible.

Can I make this Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and sour cream for its signature texture and flavor. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly.

How long should I let the cheesecake rest before serving?

For the best results, let the cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up perfectly.

Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the cookie crust and apple crumble topping a day ahead, keeping them separately wrapped at room temperature. The cheesecake filling is best made fresh, but assembling everything and refrigerating overnight works great too.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Its balance of creamy, crumbly, and spiced elements turns simple ingredients into a dessert that feels anything but ordinary. I encourage you to give it a try, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade treat. You might just find it becoming a beloved classic in your recipe collection!