There's no dessert more absolutely dreamy than this Apple Crumble Cheesecake! Imagine the velvety richness of a classic cheesecake, layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a golden, buttery oat crumble all in a single, irresistible slice. Every bite delivers creamy, tangy cheesecake balanced with juicy apples and the perfect sweet crunch on top.

What really sets this recipe apart is how it brings together a comforting autumn apple crumble and an elegant cheesecake-effortlessly impressive yet surprisingly easy to make. It's the ultimate showstopper for friendsgiving, cozy family weekends, or holiday gatherings.

Inspired by my grandma's legendary apple pie and a New York-style cheesecake I once adored, this cheesecake instantly became a crowd favorite at every celebration. I know it'll become one in your kitchen too!

Dreamy slice of Apple Crumble Cheesecake with golden crumble and cinnamon apples

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines two classic desserts for the best of both worlds-cheesecake and apple crumble!
Make-ahead friendly, so it's perfect for holidays or entertaining
Irresistible layers of creamy, spiced, and crunchy textures in every bite
Crowd-pleasing, comforting, and guaranteed to impress guests

Key Ingredients for Apple Crumble Cheesecake

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream Cheese

The backbone of any great cheesecake! For the silkiest, creamiest texture, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese that's at room temperature-this helps everything blend smoothly without lumps. If you're in a pinch, reduced-fat will work but the flavor won't be as rich.

Apples

Fresh apples bring natural sweetness, tartness, and that signature fall flavor. Choose baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance-they hold their shape well when baked. Peel, core, and thinly slice for even cooking. If you'd like a sweeter result, try Pink Lady or Fuji apples!

Rolled Oats

Rolled oats create that nostalgic, bakery-style crumble topping, adding irresistible texture and toasty flavor. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but avoid instant oats which don't give the right crunch. For a gluten-free version, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Cinnamon

Warm cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples and brings comforting spice to both the topping and apple filling. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for even more cozy fall flavor.

Graham Crackers

Classic graham crackers form the sturdy, subtly sweet cheesecake base. Crush them finely for the best texture. Shortbread or digestive biscuits make tasty substitutions if graham crackers aren't available.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake cooking process

Instructions for Apple Crumble Cheesecake

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper-this makes it much easier to remove your cheesecake later!

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool as you continue.

Craft the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy-about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup sugar and beat until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed. Mix in vanilla and sour cream just until smooth and combined (don't overmix). Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

In a small bowl, toss apple slices with 2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Evenly scatter the apple slices over the cheesecake batter, gently pressing them in with a spatula.

Make and Add the Oat Crumble Topping

Stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Drizzle in melted butter and mix with a fork until you have chunky, crumbly clumps. Sprinkle this evenly over the apples.

Bake the Cheesecake

Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center has a slight wobble. If the crumble begins to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) before slicing.

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the graham crackers and the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The texture and flavor stay delicious!

Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake

For even more decadence, drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake just before serving. The sweet, buttery caramel pairs perfectly with the spiced apples.

Nutty Crumble Topping

Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture before baking for an extra-satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.

Lightened-Up Version

You can use light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream to create a lighter cheesecake. The result is slightly less rich but still totally satisfying.

Spice It Up

Mix a little nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom into your cinnamon for a unique flavor twist that makes the apple layer extra aromatic.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake chilled, with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm spices and creamy filling. It pairs beautifully with rich coffee or spiced chai, making it ideal for holiday dessert tables or cozy autumn brunches. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for that bakery-style finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months-wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating. The crumble may lose a bit of crunch after freezing, but it will still taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumble Cheesecake (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Apple Crumble Cheesecake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight, giving the flavors time to marry. Simply cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: What apples work best for this cheesecake?

A: Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and offer a nice tart-sweet balance. Softer apples may become mushy during baking.

Q: How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

A: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, avoid overmixing, and don't overbake. Let the cheesecake cool slowly to room temperature before chilling to minimize cracks.

Thank you for stopping by! If you give this Apple Crumble Cheesecake a try, I'd love to hear how it turned out-leave a comment or rating below and share your baking success. Happy baking!