Apple Cheesecake Crumble

Name: Apple Cheesecake Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs (Use a brand you enjoy snacking on.); 0.5 cups Butter, melted (Helps hold the crumbs together.); 16 ounces Cream cheese, softened (Ensure it's softened to avoid lumps.); 0.5 cups Brown sugar (Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.); 3 cups Apples, cored and sliced (Mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Enhances the apple flavor.); 1 cup Old-fashioned oats (Adds chewiness and a nice bite.); 0.5 cups Brown sugar (Provides sweet and sticky goodness.); 0.33 cups Butter, melted (Binds the oat mixture for clumps.)

Posted on December 21, 2025

Delicious Apple Cheesecake Crumble topped with fresh apples and a crunchy crumble

Dessert Recipes

Easy Apple Cheesecake Crumble: A Delicious Family Favorite

You know those recipes that just warm your heart and make you feel all kinds of cozy? For me, Apple Cheesecake Crumble is one of those dishes. I remember the first time I attempted this masterpiece. Picture a rainy afternoon in November, the kind of day that begs for comfort food. I was in the kitchen, apron on, ready to dance with flour and sugar, armed with a tried-and-true family recipe that my aunt had passed down to me. The scent of cinnamon and apples wafted through the house, wrapping around me like a favorite sweater.

Now, I didn’t exactly follow the recipe to a T. So, oops, let’s just say that my first attempt involved too much butter and a cheesecake layer that was more of a soup than a structure. “Oops! Not what I was expecting,” I chuckled, as I stood there, trying to salvage the mess with a spoon. But let me tell you — even in its goopy form, it tasted divine. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and crumbly topping was like a magic spell, whispering “try again.”

Apple Cheesecake Crumble holds a special place in my heart — it’s not just dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl. Whenever I serve it at family gatherings, I see smiles and hear happy sighs, as the flavors meld together in a perfect symphony of comfort and nostalgia. It’s a dessert that transports you back to simpler times, where nothing mattered more than a slice of something sweet, the laughter of family, and maybe a flickering candle or two.

So, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight yet fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas, this is it! Grab your cream cheese and your apples, and let’s dive into the delicious chaos of making this lovely crumble!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry! Just a few staples come together to create a flavor explosion.
Comfort Food Galore: Think of this as the healthy comfort food equivalent of a giant warm hug.
Leftover Magic: This dessert is even better the next day — if you can resist the temptation to eat it all in one sitting (no judgment here!).
Picky-Eater Approved: Kids and adults alike go gaga for this crumble; it’s a hit at dinner parties!
Impressive Yet Easy: You’ll wow your friends with a dessert that looks complex but is deceptively easy to make.
Meal Prep Win: Perfect for making ahead of time, so you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to go when you need it!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Let’s be real — this isn’t just any regular old apple crumble. The creamy cheesecake layer sets this dish apart, creating a delightful contrast to the tartness of the apples and the crunchy topping. When I take that first bite, it’s a delightful mix of textures: the creamy, smooth cheesecake, the tender apples bursting with cinnamon flavor, and a crispy crumble that adds that extra crunch. It’s like a party in my mouth!

I also love that this recipe welcomes a bit of improvisation. Don’t have graham crackers? Use oatmeal cookies instead! Spices are just for inspiration — get creative! The beauty of home cooking is that it reflects your taste and imagination.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Graham cracker crumbs: This is the base of our cheesecake crust, and they provide that lovely crunchiness we all crave. I recommend using a brand that you enjoy snacking on!
Butter: Because butter makes everything better! It adds richness and helps hold the crumbs together. (Don’t overdo it, though — a little goes a long way.)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

Cream cheese: The star of the show! It brings creaminess and a rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened, so you don’t end up with lumps — trust me, I’ve been there!
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor, creating depth in the cheesecake.

For the Apple Layer:

Apples: I like to use a mix of sweet and tart varieties, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. The contrast keeps things interesting.
Cinnamon: Because apples and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. It brings warmth and coziness to every bite.

For the Crumble Topping:

Old-fashioned oats: These are key for texture, adding chewiness and a nice bite.
More brown sugar: Because it wouldn’t be a crumble without that sweet, sticky goodness.
Butter: Again! It binds the oat mixture, helping create those lovely clumps we all love to bite into.

So, there you go — a simple list of ingredients with massive flavor potential!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Alright, my cooking companions, let’s roll up our sleeves and hit the kitchen!

Step 1: Create the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to have that nice and toasty for when your masterpiece is ready to bake.

Grab a bowl and combine about 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted butter. You’ll want to use your hands or a fork to mix it until the texture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Tip: Make sure to get it even, or you’ll have a lopsided cheesecake! (I learned that the hard way when my first attempt looked like a yoga pose gone wrong.)

Place it in the oven for about 10 minutes to set. You should be able to smell that lovely scent of graham crackers toasting. It’s like a warm hug from the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

While the crust is baking, it’s time to work on the creamy layer. In a mixing bowl, beat together 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Here, I’m not going for perfection; a few lumps are okay — the focus is on taste, right?

Once mixed, pour this silky mixture over your baked crust. Smooth it out with a spatula, taking a moment to admire how lovely it looks; resist the urge to eat it now (I know, I know, it’s tough!).

Step 3: Apple Time

Core and slice about 3 cups of apples. Mix them in a bowl with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. The smell will hit you like a sweet, warm wave, and trust me, you’ll be tempted to eat a piece (or three).

Now, sprinkle those cinnamon-coated apple slices generously over the cheesecake layer. You may feel like an artist at this point, creating your apple masterpiece, so don’t hold back!

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ⅓ cup of melted butter. Mix it until crumbly, then sprinkle it all over the apple layer. Don’t skimp on this part — the more crumble, the better! Honestly, one of the best feelings is watching it bake and seeing that golden crust form.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Pop that glorious creation back into the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly — the kind of aroma that makes family members wander in, asking what’s cooking.

Once it’s done, let it cool, and then chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours. This is the hardest part! Waiting. But it’s worth it because chilling will help it set beautifully.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. You can buy a bottle or make your own (and hey, if you feel fancy, add some sea salt for a salted caramel vibe!). Cut yourself a generous slice, and take a moment to appreciate your hard work. Trust me; you’ll be the star of the dessert table.

Tips for Best Results

Let your cream cheese sit out for a bit before using it; a softened texture makes for easier mixing.
Experiment with spices! If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
Don’t skip the chilling step. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but it really helps solidify those layers and flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Swap graham cracker crumbs for your favorite cookie crumbs, or even make a gluten-free crust using almond flour.
Use different fruits based on the season — pears, peaches, or even cherries would taste divine!
For a vegan twist, use cream cheese alternatives and a plant-based butter substitute in the crust.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs and melted butter and pressing into a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth, then pour over the crust.
Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, and sprinkle over the cheesecake layer.
Mix oats, brown sugar, and melted butter for the crumble topping, and sprinkle it generously over the apples.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool and chill for a few hours in the fridge.
Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving. Enjoy!

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Honestly, nothing beats that warm cheesecake crumble with a cold contrast! For drinks, I recommend a cup of warm spiced cider — it’ll turn your dessert experience into a cozy autumn evening.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If by some miracle there are leftovers (no judgment!), cover the cheesecake crumble with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to indulge again, you can enjoy it cold or pop it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it back up. Just be cautious — I’ve made the mistake of microwaving it only to discover it was a bit too mushy the second time around.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

This dessert is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance, and chill it until you’re ready to serve. You can even freeze it! Just remember to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip the chilling time — it really helps everything set beautifully.
Ensure you have enough apple mixture; don’t skimp on the apples! A good layer switches the game from "fine" to "wow."
If you’re using a springform pan, be sure it’s tightly sealed before pouring in layers to avoid any ooze-out situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use other fruits in this crumble?
A: Absolutely! Pears, cherries, or even berries can be great substitutes. Just adjust the sugar level depending on fruit sweetness.

Q: What kind of apples are best?
A: A mix of sweet and tart apples works wonders! I love combining Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yup! Use gluten-free graham crackers or substitutes for the crust, and you’re all set.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Springform pan (for easy release)
Mixing bowls (to keep that kitchen chaos organized)
Measuring cups and spoons (because eyeballing isn’t always the best idea)
A spatula (for smoothing out that cheesecake layer like a pro)

Final Thoughts

As the tempting smell of this Apple Cheesecake Crumble wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but reminisce about the memories woven into each slice. Every time I make it, I think back to my aunt’s kitchen and how she used to whip this up for family gatherings. It’s not just dessert; it’s a connector of generations, a recipe that keeps me grounded amidst the chaos of life.

I invite you to share your own twists and turns as you create this joyful dish. There’s magic in those messy moments spent cooking, and I can’t wait to hear your stories! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!