Best Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen? That nostalgic feeling is exactly what inspired this incredible dessert. Today, I am so excited to share my ultimate recipe for Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats. This dessert combines two beloved classics into one show-stopping treat that will absolutely become your new fall favorite. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, and I promise it’s easier to make than you might think!
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats is a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, a spiced apple pie layer, and a crunchy oat crumble topping. Its significance lies in that magical fusion, because it delivers the best elements of both a traditional cheesecake and a warm apple crumble in every single bite. This recipe perfectly aligns with my mission to create approachable yet impressive desserts that bring people joy around the table. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients to achieve a spectacular result, much like my favorite Easy Homemade Apple Crisp. The method is straightforward, although I always recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the filling, as it ensures your No-Bake Cheesecake (or baked, in this case) has that perfect, luxurious texture without being overly sweet. You get a wonderful contrast of textures and temperatures, especially if you serve it slightly warm.
Why I Love This Recipe
I genuinely love this recipe because it feels like a hug in dessert form. It reminds me of family holidays and cozy Sunday dinners, so it carries a lot of emotional weight for me. The process of layering each component is actually very therapeutic, and the final result never fails to impress my guests. Seeing their faces light up after the first bite is my favorite part, because it truly is a special dessert that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, even though the steps are beautifully simple.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats delivers real nutritional value because it features whole food ingredients. Apples form the heart of this dessert so they provide a fantastic source of dietary fiber and essential vitamin C. This fiber promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels, while the vitamin C boosts your immune system. Consequently, you enjoy a treat that actively supports your well-being.
The creamy cheesecake component offers a solid protein and calcium boost because it uses quality dairy products. These nutrients are vital for muscle repair and bone strength, even though this is a dessert. Furthermore, Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats avoids artificial additives commonly found in pre-made desserts. Therefore, you indulge in a cleaner, more wholesome option. It successfully merges incredible taste with recognizable ingredients, so each serving feels both satisfying and nourishing.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats aligns beautifully with a balanced diet since it encourages mindful enjoyment. You can easily adapt this recipe to meet various dietary goals, although it is inherently a dessert. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour into the crumble topping. It also fits into practical eating habits by being a homemade treat that you control.
Baking this cheesecake at home allows you to avoid the excessive sugars and preservatives in store-bought alternatives. This practice supports a sustainable approach to healthy living where no foods are off-limits. For more guidance on incorporating treats into a balanced plan, see our tips for easy weekly meal prep ideas. Remember, enjoying desserts like Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats is part of a happy, healthy life. If you need another nutritious sweet option, our healthy banana bread recipe is a wonderful choice.
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Apple crumble cheesecake with a cinnamon and nutmeg cookie crust, cheesecake filling and topped with cinnamon sugar apples and crumble.
- Total Time: 130 mins
- Yield: 10 people 1x
Ingredients
- 200 g digestive or graham crackers
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1,5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1,5 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 150 g apple (diced small (1–2 apples))
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 80 g dark brown sugar
- 70 g butter (room temperature)
- 600 g cream cheese (full fat, room temperature)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 150 g sour cream 14-18% (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 160ºC/325ºF, conventional oven.
- In a food processor, add the cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and blend it all together until a fine sand-like texture. Melt the butter. Add the melted butter to the food processor and blend it together with the blended cookies.
- In a 22 cm spring cake pan add parchment paper to the bottom. Add the cookie crumble and press the cookie crust down with the bottom of a glass, and up agains the side of the pan, so it’s well packed together and flattened out.
- Bake it for 10 min. Then let it cool down so that it’s cool to touch.
- While the crust cools down, prepare the apples and the crumble.
- Dice the apples into small cubes and toss them in granulated sugar and cinnamon. Overtime the sugar will drag out some of the liquid in the apples, avoid adding that to the cheesecake when placing the apples.
- Add flour, brown sugar and butter to another bowl. Mix it together by hand or with an electric hand mixer, until it forms a crumble structure. Set aside both toppings while making the cheesecake filling.
- Preheat the oven at 160ºC.
- With a hand mixer or in a stand mix using the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese for 1 min on low speed. Then gradually add the granulated sugar. Once all the granulated sugar is added, scrape down the sides of the bowl and let it mix for 1 min on low speed.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and cornstarch until smooth. Add it to the cream cheese with the vanilla extract and let it mix on low speed until combined. Then add one egg at a time and let it mix on low speed until combined. Once all the eggs have mixed in, scrape down the sides of the bowl and give it a final mix to make sure all the ingredients have incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the spring pan. Gently divide the cinnamon sugar apples first on top of cheesecake, followed by the crumble.
- Boil up water in a kettle. Place the springform pan in a 25 cm/10 inch cake pan. Place the cake pan in another baking pan or roasting pan and fill it with hot water 2/3 up the side of the pan. This method will prevent water from getting into the crust.
- Alternatively, add a triple layer of aluminium foil around the cake pan to safely seal it from the water before placing it in a water bath. There might be a possibility of water leaking in, so make sure it's covered well if choosing this method.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20-30 min.
- Once the time has passed, give the tray a very gentle shake. The cheesecake should still be a bit wobbly in the middle. Turn off the oven and have the oven door slightly open and let the cheesecake cool down in the oven for 1 hour.
- Then take it out of the oven and remove it from the water bath. Take off the aluminum foil and place the cheesecake on a cooling rack. Let it cool down fully for about 1 hour to room temperature.
- Finally, once at room temperature, place it in the fridge and let it set for at least 6 hours, preferable overnight.
Notes
The cheesecake is done when it only slightly jiggles in the center when gently shaken. For best results, let it cool completely in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour after baking, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set. Full-fat Greek yogurt can be substituted 1:1 for sour cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 85 mins
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 41
- Sodium: 368
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 61
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 120
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, prepare your crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a touch of sugar. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your springform pan; for a quick and even base, use the flat bottom of a measuring cup. Next, move on to the cheesecake layer. Use room temperature cream cheese because it will blend smoothly with the sugar and create a luxuriously silky filling without any lumps. Gently whisk in the eggs one at a time, and then carefully fold in the sour cream and vanilla. Meanwhile, you can quickly assemble your apple crumble topping. Simply toss diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, then combine them with oats and cold butter cubes. Now, pour your creamy cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Finally, generously sprinkle your apple crumble mixture over the top of the cheesecake layer. Bake your Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely on your counter before you transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for several hours, or ideally overnight. This crucial chilling step ensures your dessert sets perfectly and slices beautifully.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have definitely learned a few lessons the hard way with this recipe. Initially, I used to rush the cooling process, which resulted in a cheesecake that was far too soft and almost impossible to slice cleanly. Now, I always plan ahead and let it chill overnight for the perfect texture. Another common mistake was overmixing the batter after adding the eggs, which unfortunately incorporated too much air and led to unsightly cracks on the surface. I learned to mix just until everything is combined for a flawlessly smooth top. For more tips on achieving that ideal creamy texture, check out my guide on avoiding common cheesecake mistakes. Also, if you love the apple crumble component as much as I do, you will absolutely adore my classic Dutch oven apple crisp recipe. Trust me, learning from these errors makes your final Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats absolutely foolproof.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
This dessert feels like a warm hug because it masterfully weaves together two beloved culinary traditions. The humble apple crumble, or crisp, has deep roots in British and American home cooking, often appearing as a frugal yet comforting way to use a seasonal harvest. Across the pond, the rich, decadent cheesecake has been a celebratory centerpiece for everything from Jewish holidays to New York diner menus. The Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats is a beautiful fusion of these two classics, born from a desire to create the ultimate autumnal treat.
While families might debate the perfect crumble topping or the ideal cheesecake texture, this recipe honors both sides. In many households, a simple apple crumble is a weekly ritual, whereas a cheesecake is saved for special gatherings. This version cleverly bridges that gap, making indulgence feel a little more accessible and a lot more fun. The personal touch in the Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats comes from that joyful combination, offering the familiar spice of a crumble with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake in every single bite.
How it fits in today’s cooking
This dessert remains a superstar in modern kitchens, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. It fits perfectly into today’s cooking because it serves as a stunning centerpiece for a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy end to a weeknight family dinner. Bakers are constantly putting new spins on it, even though the core appeal remains timeless. Some might swirl salted caramel into the cheesecake layer, while others add a handful of oats and nuts to the crumble for extra texture.
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit various dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for any gathering. For another fantastic seasonal baking project that uses similar warm spices, consider our popular Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. The beauty of the Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats is its ability to feel both nostalgic and entirely new. If you find yourself with extra apples, you can even turn them into a quick Applesauce for Pancakes, ensuring nothing goes to waste. This dessert truly earns its place as a contemporary classic that everyone loves.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats delivers an extraordinary sensory experience from the very first bite. You are immediately greeted by a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust that provides a sturdy foundation. The cheesecake layer itself is phenomenally creamy and luxuriously rich, because it offers a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the warm, spiced apple filling. That filling features tender, soft apple pieces that have been cooked until they are meltingly good, while their cinnamon and nutmeg fragrance fills the air. Each forkful combines the cool, smooth cheesecake with the warm, spiced fruit and the final, glorious layer: a generous, oat-based crumble topping. This topping bakes into a wonderfully crunchy and chewy texture, so it creates a delightful contrast against the creamy filling. The overall flavor is a harmonious blend of cozy autumn spices and classic, indulgent cheesecake. Enjoying this Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats feels like a hug in dessert form, because it masterfully combines the best elements of two beloved treats into one unforgettable masterpiece.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily elevate this incredible dessert with a few simple tweaks. Consider swapping the traditional apples for a tart Granny Smith variety to introduce a brighter, more pronounced fruit flavor that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce right before serving adds a deep, buttery sweetness and a touch of sophistication. For an extra layer of warmth, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to your apple spice blend. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing, although a dollop of freshly whipped cream also works beautifully. If you love experimenting with flavors, explore our guide on creating the perfect spice blends for baking. For another fantastic dessert that uses a similar crumble technique, our peach cobbler recipe offers great inspiration. Ultimately, these small additions personalize the dessert and make each bite even more memorable.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin because this is essential for achieving a perfectly smooth and lump-free filling for your Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats. Use a water bath while baking to gently cook the custard, which prevents cracking and ensures an incredibly creamy texture. Press the crumble base firmly into the pan so it holds together well when sliced. Finally, allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent any sudden temperature changes.
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is overmixing the batter after adding the eggs because this incorporates too much air and can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then fall, leading to cracks; instead, mix on low speed just until combined. Another error is slicing the dessert before it is fully chilled, so although it is tempting, you must refrigerate your Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats for at least four hours or, even better, overnight for clean cuts. For more guidance on achieving the perfect texture, our guide on avoiding a soggy bottom is incredibly helpful. Additionally, if your crumble topping is not achieving that perfect golden-brown color, you might be pulling it from the oven too soon; for more tips on baking to perfection, see our article on why oven temperature matters.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
Present your Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats with style for a truly memorable dessert. For instance, serve each slice on a simple white plate to let its beautiful layers shine. Furthermore, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a lovely finishing touch. Additionally, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside it creates a classic and irresistible look.
This stunning dessert fits any gathering, from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday celebration. It makes an exceptional centerpiece for a brunch spread or a potluck. Ultimately, its comforting flavors guarantee it will be the star of the show wherever you serve it.
What goes well with it
A hot cup of coffee provides the perfect bitter contrast to the sweet and creamy cheesecake. Similarly, a glass of cold milk is a timeless pairing that wonderfully cuts through the richness. For a special occasion, consider a dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling, which beautifully highlights the apple and cinnamon notes.
If you are planning a larger spread, this cheesecake pairs wonderfully with other light desserts. For example, our refreshing lemon bars offer a bright, tangy counterpoint. Moreover, a warm beverage is always a good idea; try serving it with a mug of our cozy slow cooker hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Yes, you can use a high-quality store-bought apple pie filling to save time. For the best flavor that truly complements this Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats, we recommend warming it with a pinch of cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon juice to make it taste more homemade before adding it to your cheesecake.
Cheesecakes typically crack from overmixing the batter, which incorporates too much air, or from a sudden, drastic temperature change. To prevent cracks, avoid overbeating after adding the eggs and let the baked cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open before chilling it.
Let your cheesecake cool at room temperature for at least one to two hours until the pan is no longer hot to the touch. This gradual cooling process helps prevent the top from cracking. After that, you can cover it and move it to the refrigerator to set completely.
The best method is to dip a sharp, thin-bladed knife in very hot water, wipe it dry, and then make a cut. Repeat this process—heating and wiping the blade—for each slice. This technique creates beautifully clean cuts through the creamy filling and crumble topping of your Apple Crumble Cheesecake – Julie Marie Eats.
