Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

I absolutely love creating desserts that combine two beloved classics, and this apple crumble cheesecake does exactly that. This show-stopping dessert layers creamy cheesecake with spiced apple pie filling and tops it all with a golden, crunchy crumble that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

There’s something magical about the way warm cinnamon and nutmeg fill the kitchen when I’m preparing the apple filling for this cheesecake. Last autumn, I served this at our family dinner and watched as even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds. The beauty of this apple crumble cheesecake lies in its perfect balance – the rich, smooth cheesecake base pairs beautifully with tender, spiced apples, while the crumble topping adds that irresistible textural contrast. What makes this recipe even better is that it requires no water bath, making it surprisingly approachable for home bakers who want bakery-quality results.

What You’ll Need for This Dreamy Apple Crumble Cheesecake

I always recommend using full-fat cream cheese and letting it come to room temperature completely – this is the secret to achieving that perfectly smooth, lump-free texture.

Pro tip: I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Honeycrisp works beautifully too if you like a sweeter apple flavor.

For the Apple Filling:

• 5 apples, cored and peeled
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter, unsalted
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Crust:

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5.2 oz butter, melted, unsalted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 28 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats (or quick oats)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3.1 oz butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

Step 1: Make the apple pie filling by peeling, coring, and slicing apples into ¼-inch thick pieces. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with water, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Add sliced apples and gently stir to coat without breaking them. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes until fork-tender and you can hear gentle bubbling. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook another minute until thickened and glossy. Let cool 30-45 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 10-inch springform pan (with 3-inch high sides) with parchment paper. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into pan bottom and bake 7-8 minutes until edges just start to brown. Cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Reduce oven to 300°F. Beat room-temperature cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy with no lumps visible. Mix in sour cream, then lightly beaten eggs just until combined – don’t overbeat. Sift in cornstarch and blend until smooth.

Step 5: For crumble topping, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger clumps. Set aside.

Step 6: Pour half the cheesecake filling over cooled crust and smooth with offset spatula. Spoon apple filling evenly over this layer, leaving ½-inch border. Gently add remaining cheesecake batter and smooth. Sprinkle crumble topping generously over surface.

Step 7: Bake at 300°F for 60 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly like set Jell-O when gently shaken. The center should reach 150°F when checked with instant-read thermometer. Turn off oven, crack door, and cool inside for 1-2 hours. Refrigerate at least 5 hours or overnight before serving.

What Goes Perfectly with Apple Crumble Cheesecake

This dessert shines alongside complementary flavors that enhance its cozy fall appeal.

Vanilla bean ice cream: The cold, creamy contrast balances the rich cheesecake while highlighting the warm spices in the apple filling.

Caramel coffee: A drizzle of salted caramel sauce echoes the brown sugar notes while coffee’s slight bitterness cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Whipped cream with cinnamon: Light, airy cream dusted with cinnamon creates a cloud-like accompaniment that doesn’t compete with the dessert’s starring flavors.

Toasted pecans: Chopped toasted pecans add extra crunch and nutty richness that pairs naturally with apple and cinnamon flavors.

More Delightful Apple Treats and Savory Meal Partners

This luxurious apple crumble cheesecake combines the best of two dessert worlds, much like how our Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle elevates traditional apple flavors. For more elegant presentations, explore our beautiful Fall Apple Crumble Pie, or return to classic comfort with our beloved Classic Apple Crumble and Perfect Apple Crumble Recipe.

For everyday apple enjoyment, our Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins and Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins bring these same cozy flavors to breakfast and snack time. This impressive cheesecake provides the perfect sweet ending to savory comfort food dinners featuring Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread or Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza.

How to Store Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake

This cheesecake actually improves after a day in the refrigerator, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Store covered with plastic wrap for up to 5 days – I recommend removing it from the springform pan only when ready to serve.

For longer storage, wrap the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh caramel drizzle before serving to restore that bakery-fresh appearance.

Pro tip: I always slice this cheesecake with a warm, clean knife for the cleanest cuts. Simply run your knife under warm water and wipe clean between each slice.

Common Questions About Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Your New Favorite Fall Dessert Awaits

This apple crumble cheesecake brings together everything we love about autumn desserts in one stunning presentation. The combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crunchy topping creates a dessert that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and comforting enough for family dinners. Try this recipe for your next gathering and watch it become the dessert everyone remembers!

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