Apple Crumble Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, then this Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the answer! It combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the delightful crunch of a crumble topping and the sweetness of tender apples. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight treats. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge yourself, this dessert will surely bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet apple crumble makes this dessert stand out.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this masterpiece without stress.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesecake, and the added apple filling makes it even more irresistible for both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance, which is fantastic for busy days when you want to impress guests with minimal last-minute work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes baking so much fun! For this Apple Crumble Cheesecake, you’ll need a mix of sweet cookies for the crust, creamy cheese for the filling, and tart apples for that lovely fruity flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust

• 350 g Lotus biscoff cookies
• 150 g unsalted butter (melted)

For the Streusel Topping

• 55 g unsalted butter (melted)
• 50 g all-purpose flour
• 50 g brown sugar
• 20 g rolled oats

For the Apple Filling

• 3 tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/8 thick slices)
• 50 g brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 690 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 75 g granulated sugar
• 100 g Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your flavors or substitutions. Here are some fun ideas:

• Change Up the Fruit: Swap apples for pears or berries for a fresh twist on flavor.
• Add Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into your streusel topping for extra texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice in your cheesecake filling for a unique taste.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

To start off, crush the biscoff cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a food processor or putting them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Combine these crumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan. This step is crucial as it forms a solid base that holds everything together!

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

Next up is our buttery streusel topping! In a bowl, combine melted butter with flour, brown sugar, and rolled oats. Mix until crumbly. This will give your cheesecake that delicious texture contrast between creamy filling and crunchy topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Now it’s time to prepare those lovely apples! Toss your sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in another bowl. This step ensures they are not only sweet but also helps thicken any juices they release during baking.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In your mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Then add Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and eggs one at a time. Mixing thoroughly after each addition is key to achieving that light and fluffy texture we love in cheesecakes.

Step 5: Assemble It All Together

Pour half of the cheesecake batter over your crust first. Layer on half of the apple mixture next before adding more cheesecake batter on top. Finish by layering on the rest of your apples followed by that fabulous streusel topping we made earlier.

Step 6: Bake It Perfectly

Bake your masterpiece in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 85 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allowing it to cool slowly will help prevent cracks while developing rich flavors.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Once cooled at room temperature, refrigerate your cheesecake for at least four hours (or overnight if you can resist!). Chilling allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

And there you have it! A delightful Apple Crumble Cheesecake that’s sure to be loved by everyone who tries it. Enjoy every delicious slice!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Making an apple crumble cheesecake can seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a delicious dessert that impresses everyone!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature ensures a smoother batter, preventing lumps and creating a creamy texture that’s essential for cheesecake.

• Don’t rush the crust: Pressing the biscoff cookie crust firmly into the pan prevents it from crumbling when you cut into the finished cheesecake. A well-packed crust also helps hold everything together beautifully.

• Bake in a water bath: Placing your cheesecake in a water bath during baking helps maintain an even temperature, which reduces cracks on the surface and results in a creamier consistency.

• Cool gradually: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks and keeps your cheesecake lovely and smooth.

• Chill before serving: Letting your cheesecake chill overnight not only enhances its flavor but also allows it to set perfectly, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Presenting your apple crumble cheesecake can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make your dessert stand out at any gathering or family dinner.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of light and fluffy whipped coconut cream adds a beautiful contrast and creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheesecake.

• Cinnamon dusting: Lightly dusting the top with ground cinnamon right before serving not only enhances visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of warm spice that complements the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream brings a delightful cold contrast and a touch of sweetness that balances nicely with the warm spices in the cheesecake.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up your meal. The natural sweetness and acidity of fruits like berries or citrus will complement the richness of the cheesecake beautifully.

• Stewed apples: For those who can’t get enough apple goodness, serving stewed apples on the side creates a warm, cozy vibe. Their sweetness and warmth mirror the flavors of your cheesecake while adding moisture to each bite.

With these tips on how to serve and garnish your apple crumble cheesecake, you’ll create a memorable dessert experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert throughout the week. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep this treat fresh and ready to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of the cheesecake in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Place in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• To reheat, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• If you prefer it warm, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.
• Avoid overheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delicious dessert, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make Apple Crumble Cheesecake without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative or even a cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

How should I serve my Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

This cheesecake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

What makes this Apple Crumble Cheesecake special?

The unique combination of spiced cheesecake filling and buttery streusel crumble creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that is sure to impress.

How long does Apple Crumble Cheesecake last in the fridge?

When stored properly, Apple Crumble Cheesecake lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this Apple Crumble Cheesecake! It’s not only a comforting dessert but also brings together wonderful flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice on your own, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!