Apple Crumble Cheesecake

There I was, knee-deep in apples, sipping cinnamon-infused cider, the smell of baked goods wafting through the air, as autumn began to set in. I had a run of “apple everything” recipes in my cozy kitchen — but then, inspiration struck. Why not combine the luscious smoothness of a creamy cheesecake with the satisfying crunch and warmth of a classic apple crumble? And just like that, the Apple Crumble Cheesecake was born!

This delicious dessert is a beautiful medley of creamy and crunchy textures, with sweet and tart flavors dancing together on your taste buds. The buttery aroma of caramelizing apples blended with crunchy Biscoff crumbs envelops you like the coziest of blankets. Trust me, every bite transports you to a cheerful place, making it the ideal dessert for sharing with family or as a comforting treat for yourself. Once you taste this delightful creation, you’ll understand why it quickly captured my heart and why I know it will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Delight: A no-fuss recipe that comes together in just a few steps.
  • Cuddle-Worthy Comfort: Perfect for cozy fall evenings or festive gatherings with loved ones.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combo of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples is truly irresistible.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed favorite at family dinners and potlucks. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
  • Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece, along with some helpful hints for each ingredient:

  • 350 g Lotus Biscoff cookies: These give a delightful caramelized flavor and a perfectly crunchy base — don’t you just love that unique taste?
  • 150 g unsalted butter (melted): This will bind the crust together so it holds its shape beautifully.
  • 55 g unsalted butter (melted): Added for the crumble topping, because who doesn’t want extra buttery goodness?
  • 50 g all-purpose flour: It helps to create the crumble texture that’s both crunchy and comforting.
  • 50 g brown sugar: This sweetens the topping and adds a rich, molasses-like flavor.
  • 20 g rolled oats: These lend a wonderful chewiness to the crumble, making it extra satisfying to bite into.
  • 3 tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/8″ thick slices): I love using tart apples for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Granny Smith is a classic choice!
  • 50 g brown sugar: This enhances the natural sweetness of the apples while adding a hint of depth.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Nothing screams “autumn” quite like the warm spices of cinnamon, perfect for apple desserts!
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch: A little thickener to keep your apple filling nice and set.
  • 690 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature): Essential for the smooth, rich cheesecake layer.
  • 75 g granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cream cheese and keeps everything sweet.
  • 100 g Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a hint of tang, making for a delightful cheesecake.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A dash of warmth and depth that elevates the flavor of your cheesecake.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: These spices bring cozy vibes to your cheesecake, creating an aromatic wonderland.
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature): Eggs help bind everything together and make the cheesecake light and fluffy.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Biscoff Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The oven will be warming, and soon, your kitchen will smell amazing!
  2. In a bowl, crush the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs. I love to use a food processor, but a good old-fashioned rolling pin does the trick too!
  3. Pour the melted butter over the cookie crumbs and mix until the crumbs are fully coated. It should remind you of sand on a sunny beach—crunchy yet moist!
  4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup for an easy, tight fit!
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, allowing those tantalizing aromas to fill the air. The crust should be lightly golden and ready for the next layer.

Crumble Topping

  1. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, oats, and the extra ground cinnamon. Use your fingers to mix until crumbly. Embrace the mess — it’s part of the fun!
  2. Set aside to prepare your apple filling. The anticipation will only make your taste buds tingle!

Apple Topping

  1. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. You want everything well coated to maximize flavor.
  2. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust, arranging the apples beautifully.

Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. I find a hand mixer works wonderfully here!
  2. Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and spices. Beat until fully incorporated.
  3. Carefully add the eggs, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix — we want that cheesecake to be silky and smooth, without a lot of air bubbles.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the apple layer, spreading it evenly.
  5. Finally, sprinkle the prepared crumble topping generously over the cheesecake layer. Pour a little love into this part — it’ll be worth it!

Bake

  1. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Your kitchen will be filled with a warm hug of fall flavors—enjoy it!
  2. Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly to let your cheesecake cool gradually (this helps prevent cracking).
  3. Once cooled, chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can resist!

Pro Tips for Success

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a beautifully smooth filling.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooling: Gradually cooling your cheesecake in the oven helps prevent cracks that can occur from drastic temperature changes.
  • Slicing: For the perfect slice, run a knife under hot water, dry it, and then cut through. This gives you clean edges every time!
  • Garnish: A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon on top can take it over the edge — trust me, it’s worth it!

Flavor Variations

  • Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble will add a delightful crunch.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or a mix of holiday fruits like cranberries in winter!
  • Spice It Up: A hint of cardamom or a splash of maple syrup in the apple mix can add an exciting twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Apple Crumble Cheesecake with a side of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Sweet, spiced chai or a cup of warm apple cider would pair beautifully as well. For a cozy presentation, slice and serve on vintage plates with a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Make-Ahead & Storage

This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so you can prepare it a day or two in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap once it’s set to protect it from any unwanted fridge odors.

Leftovers

If you find yourself with some extra cheesecake (which is rare!), consider crumbling it over yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat or using it as a decadent topping for pancakes!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this Apple Crumble Cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For the best texture, simply let slices come to room temperature before enjoying. If you prefer warm cheesecake, you can warm it gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

How long does the cheesecake need to chill before serving?
The cheesecake needs to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for optimal texture and flavor!

Can I use a different type of cookies for the crust?
Absolutely! Any buttery cookie, like Graham crackers or Digestives, will work if you wish to experiment!

What should I do if my cheesecake cracks?
Don’t worry if it does! You can cover any cracks with the crumble topping or a dollop of whipped cream — it will still taste delicious!

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
It contains dairy and sugar, so it’s not vegan or gluten-free. However, you can modify with alternative ingredients to fit dietary needs (like dairy-free cream cheese).

Final Thoughts

Ah, dear friend, there’s something truly special about gathering around a freshly baked Apple Crumble Cheesecake with those we love, isn’t there? As each slice lifts the spirits and warms the hearts, remember that the kitchen is a space for joy, love, and creativity. I hope you feel inspired to create this cozy recipe in your own kitchen, filling your home with delightful aromas and the kind of happiness that only comes from sharing something homemade. Enjoy every bite, and let the warmth of this dessert fill your heart. Until next time, keep vibing in that kitchen of yours! 🍏🧡

Full recipe card is below.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

A delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and crunchy apple crumble, creating a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 350 g Lotus Biscoff cookies Provides a delightful caramelized flavor and a perfectly crunchy base.
  • 150 g unsalted butter (melted) Binds the crust together.
For the crumble topping
  • 55 g unsalted butter (melted) Adds extra buttery goodness.
  • 50 g all-purpose flour Creates a crunchy crumble texture.
  • 50 g brown sugar Sweetens the topping and adds flavor.
  • 20 g rolled oats Lends chewiness to the crumble.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds autumn flavor to the topping.
For the apple topping
  • 3 pieces tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) Use Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy.
  • 50 g brown sugar Enhances the sweetness of the apples.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Enhances the autumn flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch Thickens the apple filling.
For the cheesecake filling
  • 690 g cream cheese (softened) Essential for a rich cheesecake layer.
  • 75 g granulated sugar Balances the tartness.
  • 100 g Greek yogurt Adds creaminess and a hint of tang.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Elevates the flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon For additional flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger For a warming spice taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Enhances the spiciness.
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature) Helps bind the ingredients.

Method
 

Prepare the crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Crush the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs.
  3. Pour the melted butter over the cookie crumbs and mix until fully coated.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes.
Make the crumble topping
  1. Combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, oats, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. Mix until crumbly.
Prepare the apple topping
  1. Toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch.
  2. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
Make the cheesecake filling
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy.
  2. Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and spices, and beat until incorporated.
  3. Carefully add the eggs, mixing until just combined.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the apple layer.
  5. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cheesecake layer.
Bake the cheesecake
  1. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set.
  2. Turn off the oven and crack the door to cool the cheesecake gradually.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Notes

Letting your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature will ensure a smooth filling. Gradually cool to prevent cracks. Slice with a hot knife for clean edges.