Irresistible Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Perfect Fall Dessert

Apple Crumble Cheesecake
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines everything we love about autumn in one show-stopping dessert. Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and your guests are expecting something special. As you slice into this magnificent creation, revealing layers of spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and golden crumble atop a buttery Biscoff crust, their eyes light up with anticipation. This isn’t just any dessert – it’s a conversation starter, a memory maker, and quite possibly the best thing you’ll bake this season.

The magic happens when traditional apple crumble meets rich, velvety cheesecake. Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of textures: the crunch of oats and brown sugar crumble, the tender sweetness of cinnamon-spiced apples, and the luxurious smoothness of cream cheese filling. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet status, yet surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake recipe became my go-to after countless requests from family and friends who couldn’t stop talking about it after that first memorable dinner party. What makes it truly special is how it captures the essence of fall without being overly complicated. The Biscoff cookie crust adds an unexpected twist with its caramelized flavor, while the Greek yogurt in the filling creates an incredibly smooth texture that won’t crack during baking.

I love how this dessert actually improves with time – it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Plus, you can make it ahead for entertaining, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your guests’ amazed reactions. Explore more trending dessert recipes here for additional show-stopping treats.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this spectacular dessert, organized by component for easy preparation:

ComponentIngredientAmount
Biscoff CrustLotus Biscoff cookies350 g
 Unsalted butter, melted150 g
Cheesecake FillingCream cheese, softened to room temperature690 g
 Granulated sugar75 g
 Greek yogurt100 g
 Large eggs, room temperature3
 Vanilla extract2 teaspoons
 Ground cinnamon½ teaspoon
 Ground ginger¼ teaspoon
 Ground nutmeg¼ teaspoon
Apple ToppingTart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into ⅛” thick slices3
 Brown sugar50 g
 Ground cinnamon1 teaspoon
 Cornstarch2 teaspoons
Crumble ToppingUnsalted butter, melted55 g
 All-purpose flour50 g
 Brown sugar50 g
 Rolled oats20 g

The beauty of this recipe lies in its premium yet accessible ingredients. Room temperature cream cheese and eggs are crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth cheesecake texture, while the combination of warm spices creates that signature fall flavor profile. Find more easy weeknight dessert ideas here for simpler treats when you’re short on time.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this show-stopping Apple Crumble Cheesecake requires careful attention to timing and technique, but the results are absolutely worth every step. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrapping the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.

For the Biscoff crust, pulse the cookies in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, then press firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).

While the crust cools, prepare your cheesecake filling by beating the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free – this takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, beating until well combined, then mix in Greek yogurt, vanilla, and all spices. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.

For the apple topping, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated. In a separate bowl, combine all crumble ingredients with a fork until the mixture forms small clumps.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, then arrange the spiced apple slices on top in an overlapping pattern. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.

Exact Timing to make Apple Crumble Cheesecake

The total active preparation time for this Apple Crumble Cheesecake is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 60-70 minutes of baking time. Allow 15 minutes for crust preparation and initial baking, 10 minutes for filling preparation, and 5 minutes for apple and crumble assembly.

Bake the assembled cheesecake for 60-70 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature for another hour before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of this Apple Crumble Cheesecake helps you make informed decisions about portion sizes and dietary considerations. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown per serving (assuming 12 servings per cheesecake):

NutrientPer Serving% Daily Value
Calories48524%
Total Fat32g49%
Saturated Fat19g95%
Cholesterol125mg42%
Sodium285mg12%
Total Carbohydrates45g15%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Total Sugars35g
Added Sugars28g56%
Protein8g16%
Calcium145mg15%
Iron1.2mg7%
Vitamin C3mg5%

The cream cheese provides significant protein and calcium content, while the apples contribute natural fiber and vitamin C. The Greek yogurt addition increases protein content and provides beneficial probiotics, making this dessert slightly more nutritious than traditional cheesecake recipes.

Healthier Alternatives

Making this Apple Crumble Cheesecake more health-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Here are strategic ingredient swaps that maintain the dessert’s irresistible appeal while boosting nutritional value:

Original IngredientHealthier AlternativeBenefitsFlavor Impact
Regular cream cheese (690g)Light cream cheese + silken tofu (345g each)Reduces calories by 30%, adds plant proteinMaintains creaminess with subtle flavor change
Granulated sugar (75g)Maple syrup (60ml) or stevia blendNatural sweetener, lower glycemic indexAdds subtle caramel notes
Biscoff cookies (350g)Crushed graham crackers + almond flourHigher fiber, healthy fats from almondsNuttier, slightly less sweet base
Heavy butter in crumbleCoconut oil or applesauceHealthier fats or reduced fat contentCoconut adds tropical notes, applesauce is neutral
All-purpose flourAlmond flour or oat flourGluten-free option, higher proteinDenser texture, nuttier flavor
Greek yogurt (100g)Increase to 200g, reduce cream cheeseHigher protein, probiotics, lower caloriesTangier flavor, lighter texture

For those following specific dietary restrictions, substitute regular eggs with flax eggs for vegan preparation, or use sugar-free sweeteners for diabetic-friendly versions. Explore more healthy dessert recipes here for additional guilt-free indulgence options.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake shines brightest when served with thoughtful accompaniments that complement its rich, spiced flavors. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a temperature contrast that makes each bite even more luxurious, while a drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence that ties the apple and crumble elements together beautifully.

Consider serving alongside a warm beverage bar featuring spiced cider, coffee with cinnamon, or chai tea to create a complete autumn experience. For elegant dinner parties, garnish each slice with a few toasted pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon, then serve on chilled dessert plates for the most professional presentation.

The versatility of this dessert makes it perfect for various occasions – from casual family gatherings where you can serve generous slices to formal dinner parties where smaller, more refined portions allow guests to savor every complex flavor without feeling overly indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Temperature control proves critical when making Apple Crumble Cheesecake successfully. The most frequent error involves using cold cream cheese and eggs, which creates lumps in the filling that never fully smooth out, resulting in a grainy texture. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature at least 2 hours before baking, or use the quick method of placing wrapped cream cheese in warm water for 30 minutes.

Overmixing the cheesecake batter introduces too much air, causing the surface to puff up during baking and then crack dramatically as it cools. Mix ingredients just until combined, especially after adding eggs, and use low speed on your mixer to minimize air incorporation.

Skipping the water bath or removing the cheesecake too quickly from the oven leads to cracking and uneven texture. The gentle, humid heat from the water bath ensures even cooking, while gradual cooling prevents the dramatic temperature change that causes surface cracks. Even if your cheesecake does crack slightly, the crumble topping will hide any imperfections beautifully.

Storing Tips

Proper storage extends the life and maintains the quality of your Apple Crumble Cheesecake for up to one week. Always cover the cooled cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the cool temperature preserves the cream cheese filling’s texture and prevents the apple topping from becoming soggy.

For longer storage, this cheesecake freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months when wrapped properly. Slice the cheesecake first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or freeze the whole cheesecake wrapped tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture remains remarkably close to fresh after freezing.

When ready to serve stored cheesecake, remove from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow for easier cutting and optimal flavor development. Clean your knife between cuts with warm water for the cleanest slices, and remember that the flavors actually improve after the first day as all components meld together harmoniously.

FAQs

How long does Apple Crumble Cheesecake need to set before serving?

Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake requires a minimum of 4 hours of refrigeration to set properly, though overnight chilling produces the best texture and flavor development. The cream cheese filling needs this time to firm up completely, while the apple and crumble toppings benefit from the extended time to meld their flavors with the cheesecake base.

Can I make Apple Crumble Cheesecake without a water bath?

While possible, making Apple Crumble Cheesecake without a water bath significantly increases the risk of cracking and uneven baking. The water bath provides gentle, even heat that prevents the edges from overcooking while the center finishes setting. If you must skip it, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F and place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack instead.

What’s the best apple variety for Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best in Apple Crumble Cheesecake because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet, rich cheesecake filling. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious or Gala, which can become mushy and release too much moisture during baking.

Why did my Apple Crumble Cheesecake crack on top?

Apple Crumble Cheesecake typically cracks due to rapid temperature changes, overmixing the batter, or overbaking. Ensure gradual cooling by turning off the oven and leaving the door slightly ajar for an hour before removing. The good news is that any cracks will be hidden beautifully under the apple and crumble toppings, making this recipe more forgiving than plain cheesecakes.

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Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Apple Crumble Cheesecake


  • Author: julia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 (9-inch) cheesecake 1x

Description

This Irresistible Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert — layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery crumble on a Biscoff crust. A perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining or cozy nights in. Great for those searching for recipes cake, recipes dessert, or recipes baking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Biscoff Crust
  • 350 g Lotus Biscoff cookies
  • 150 g unsalted butter, melted
  • Cheesecake Filling
  • 690 g cream cheese, softened
  • 75 g granulated sugar
  • 100 g Greek yogurt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Apple Topping
  • 3 tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
  • 50 g brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Crumble Topping
  • 55 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 50 g all-purpose flour
  • 50 g brown sugar
  • 20 g rolled oats

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
  2. Prepare the crust by pulsing Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
  3. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, about 3–4 minutes. Add sugar, then mix in Greek yogurt, vanilla, and spices. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  4. Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until coated. In a separate bowl, mix crumble ingredients until clumpy.
  5. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust. Arrange spiced apples on top and sprinkle crumble evenly over them.
  6. Place pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.
  7. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the center is nearly set. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
  8. Remove and cool at room temperature for another hour, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use room temperature ingredients and allow the cheesecake to chill overnight. The flavors develop beautifully, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: apple crumble cheesecake, recipes dessert, recipes cake, recipes baking, fall dessert


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