Hi, I’m Sandy Wilder, and I’m so glad you’re here. Cheesecake has always been one of my favorite desserts to make at home, and when you add apples and a buttery crumble topping, it becomes something truly special.
I’m not a professional chef, just a mom who loves creating easy and comforting desserts. This apple crumble cheesecake is the perfect mix of creamy, spiced, and crunchy — a dessert you’ll want to serve on repeat, much like our apple crisp mini cheesecakes.
Why Apple Crumble Cheesecake Is So Good
Cheesecake lovers and apple pie fans agree: this dessert combines the best of both worlds.
A Dessert with Layers of Flavor
The crust is buttery and crisp, the cheesecake is smooth and rich, the apples are spiced and jammy, and the crumble adds a golden crunch. Each bite offers contrast and balance.
Ideal for Fall and Holidays
This cheesecake shines during autumn, but it’s welcome at the table all year long. Serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special dinner — it always feels festive and indulgent.
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Creamy, Spiced, and Crunchy
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy cheesecake layered with spiced apples and topped with a golden crumble for the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) sour cream
Apple Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp lemon juice
Crumble Topping:
¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients, press into pan, and bake 10 minutes. Cool.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream. Pour over crust.
4. Cook apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon, and water. Add cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened. Spread over cheesecake layer.
5. Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter for crumble. Sprinkle over apples.
6. Bake cheesecake 60–70 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze slices up to 2 months. Add caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Apple Crumble Cheesecake, apple cheesecake, fall dessert
Ingredients for Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Each layer brings its own texture and flavor. Use fresh apples and full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
For the Crust
- 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
For the Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cheesecakes can seem intimidating, but with these steps, you’ll get bakery-worthy results every time.
Step 1: Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and butter until sandy. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time on low speed, scraping the bowl between each. Fold in sour cream. Pour over cooled crust and smooth the top.
Tip: Don’t overbeat once eggs are added to avoid cracks. A water bath in the oven helps too.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
Cook apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water over medium heat. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened (5–7 minutes). Cool slightly, then spread over cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over apples.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake until the cheesecake is set but slightly wobbly in the center, about 60–70 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Apples
Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance the sweetness, while Honeycrisp adds juiciness.
Add Extra Crunch
Mix in oats or chopped pecans with the crumble for a heartier topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead
This cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert.
Refrigeration
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The crumble stays crisp if added fresh just before serving.
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s a handy option for holiday prep, just like our apple crisp cheesecake.
Variations to Try
Cheesecake is versatile, and this one is no exception.
Caramel Drizzle
Top with caramel sauce for an even richer dessert, similar to our caramel apple cheesecake bars.
Pumpkin Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Add a layer of pumpkin cheesecake beneath the apples for a seasonal twist, inspired by our Olive Garden pumpkin cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
Dress It Up
Serve slices with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel.
Beverage Pairings
Pair with hot coffee, apple cider, or chai tea for the perfect cozy finish.
FAQs About Apple Crumble Cheesecake
1. Can I make this with store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade gives better flavor and texture.
2. How do I stop my cheesecake from cracking?
Don’t overmix the eggs, and bake with a water bath to regulate heat.
3. Can I use different apples?
Absolutely — tart or crisp apples work best, but you can experiment with your favorites.
4. Should I bake the crumble separately?
No need — it crisps beautifully in the oven right on top of the cheesecake.
5. Can I serve it warm?
It’s best chilled for clean slices, but you can let it come to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Apple crumble cheesecake is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apple filling, and golden crumble topping. It’s indulgent, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
I’ve tested this recipe several times, and it’s always a crowd favorite. Whether for a holiday or a cozy family dinner, this cheesecake will earn a permanent spot on your dessert menu.
