Homemade Dessert
When you’re craving dessert but short on time, this Apple Crumble Cheesecake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. As a busy parent, I love recipes that feel special without requiring a whole afternoon in the kitchen. This Homemade Apple Cheesecake combines two classic favorites in one irresistible, Baked Apple Dessert that’s perfect for a cozy family treat.
This Dessert Solves Everything
- Minimal Prep Time – You can get this into the oven in about 25 minutes flat.
- Kid-Approved Flavor – The combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples is a guaranteed hit.
- Easy Crumble Topping – A simple mix-and-sprinkle method creates that perfect crunchy finish.
- Make-Ahead Magic – Bake it in the morning for a stress-free dessert ready after dinner.
What You’ll Need for Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake
For the Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs – Creates that classic, no-fuss crunchy base.
- Granulated sugar – Adds just the right touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted – Binds everything together perfectly.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese, softened – The key to a smooth, creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling beautifully.
- Eggs, at room temperature – Helps the cheesecake set properly.
- Vanilla extract – A must for that warm, classic flavor.
For the Apple Layer & Crumble
- Apples, peeled and chopped – The star of the show! I use Granny Smith.
- Brown sugar & Cinnamon – Toss with the apples for that cozy spice.
- All-purpose flour & Rolled oats – The base for the crumble topping.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Creates those perfect buttery crumbs.
Your Timetable for This Easy Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
I know you’re watching the clock, so let’s talk timing. This Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake takes about 25 minutes of hands-on prep. Then the oven does the rest of the work for 45-50 minutes.
That means your total time is around 75 minutes. Honestly, that’s a great trade-off for a dessert that tastes this impressive. While it bakes, you can tackle the after-school chaos or just put your feet up. This is a perfect weekend baking project that feels like a weekend treat without the all-day commitment. If you love shortcuts, check out my super simple Easy Apple Dumplings for another quick dessert idea.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know many families are managing sugar intake, so here are some easy tweaks. For a lower sugar version of this Cheesecake with Crumble Topping, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons.
You can also experiment with a sugar alternative like stevia. For the apple layer, the natural fruit sugars provide sweetness, so you might not need all the brown sugar. A little goes a long way!
My Best Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pro Tips
After making this countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee success every time. First, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. This is the secret to a lump-free, silky filling.
For a fun flavor swap, try adding a dash of nutmeg to the apple mixture along with the cinnamon. If you need a texture fix, pat the apple layer gently with a paper towel before adding it to avoid extra moisture. And for storage, this dessert freezes beautifully! Just wrap slices tightly. For more cheesecake inspiration, my Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are another family favorite. Love mini desserts? You have to try these Mini Cheesecake Bombs.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Equipment
- oven
- 9-inch springform pan
- medium bowl
- large bowl
- small bowl
- electric mixer
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup rolled oats
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and set aside.
- In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake batter in an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers to pinch the mixture together until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before removing the sides and serving.
Notes
Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this is a treat, it does offer some nutritional perks! The apples provide a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Using rolled oats in the crumble adds a bit more fiber and whole grains to the dessert.
This Baked Apple Dessert is richer in calcium and protein from the cream cheese and eggs compared to many other sweets. For another dessert that uses wholesome ingredients, check out these Apple Muffins. You can learn more about the health benefits of apples from reputable sources like the Healthline nutrition guide. If you’re an apple fan, my Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a must-try.
A Lighter Version of This Homemade Apple Cheesecake
Want to lighten things up a bit? You can use reduced-fat cream cheese with great results. For the crumble, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
You can also use a light butter alternative in the crust and topping. Every small change adds up! For another dessert with a lighter feel, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious option.
How to Serve Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake Like a Pro
I love serving this dessert slightly warm. It makes the house smell incredible and the flavors just melt together. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes it to a whole new level of cozy.
For a special brunch, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee. My kids love it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s the perfect end to a busy day. Speaking of apple desserts, if you enjoy the flavors here, you’ll adore my classic Homemade Apple Pie. For a fun, handheld treat, these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are always a hit.
Mistakes to Avoid for the Perfect Dessert
The most common mistake? Not letting the cream cheese soften enough. This leads to a lumpy filling. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start.
Another issue is a soggy bottom. Press the crust firmly into the pan to create a solid barrier. Also, don’t skip cooling the cheesecake completely in the pan before removing the sides. This prevents cracking. For more tips on perfect cheesecakes, my Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake post has great advice. The King Arthur Baking blog is another fantastic resource. I also love the unique twist in this Churro Cheesecake.
How to Store Your Apple Crumble Cheesecake for Later
This dessert stores like a dream. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better the next day!
You can also freeze individual slices for a quick future treat. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight. It’s so convenient to have a homemade dessert ready to go. For another great make-ahead option, try my Apple Dumpling recipe.
Why You Should Try This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
This recipe is my go-to when I need a dessert that wows without the stress. It combines the comfort of apple crumble with the richness of cheesecake in the best way possible.
Your family will love the warm, spiced apple flavor and the creamy texture. It’s a dessert that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night. I promise this Apple Crumble Cheesecake will become a new favorite. If you enjoy fusion desserts, you might also like my Pistachio Cream Kunafa Cheesecake or the playful Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos. For another mini version, check out these Mini Cheesecake Bombs too.
More Irresistible Apple Desserts
If you loved the cozy apple flavor in this recipe, you’re going to want to try these other family-friendly treats. They’re all perfect for satisfying that sweet craving.
Apple Dumpling Recipe – An incredibly easy dessert with a gooey, sweet sauce.Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples are best for Apple Crumble Cheesecake?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cheesecake filling. Avoid very soft apples that might become mushy.
Can I make Apple Crumble Cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dessert. Bake it, cool it completely, and store it covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The crumble topping should be a lovely golden brown color.
Can I freeze Apple Crumble Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.