One afternoon, I decided to try something new in the kitchen—Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake. With the weather turning cooler, the thought of combining two of my family’s favorite desserts seemed irresistible. As soon as it was ready, I could tell it was a hit. The creamy cheesecake layer paired with a spiced apple filling and topped with a crunchy crumb topping was a perfect balance of flavors. Everyone loved it, and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! This easy apple crumb pie cheesecake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for sure.

What Makes My Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake Recipe Unique?

This Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds. You get the rich, velvety texture of a cheesecake, complemented by the warmth of spiced apples and a crumbly, buttery topping that adds the perfect crunch. Unlike traditional apple pies or cheesecakes, this dish combines both in a harmonious way, making it a standout dessert. The surprise twist is the creamy cheesecake layer that blends so beautifully with the caramelized apples and the crunch of the topping, offering a multi-textured experience in every bite. If you’re a fan of Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipes, this one is a must-try!

Ingredients List For Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake Recipe

To make this delicious Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 10-12 crackers)
2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Apple Filling:

4 medium apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup water

For the Cheesecake Layer:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (use halal-certified cream cheese)
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream (use a halal-certified brand)
¼ cup heavy cream (use halal-certified heavy cream)

For the Crumb Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled

Substitutions and Variations

This Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake recipe is very versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out the graham crackers for gluten-free crackers or use almond flour mixed with a little coconut flour for a gluten-free crust.
Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese substitute, use dairy-free sour cream, and swap the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg).
Sugar-Free Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar in both the cheesecake filling and the apple filling for a low-sugar alternative.
Spices: If you love warm spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra depth of flavor.
If you love the richness of pecans, consider adding pecans to your crumble topping for a delightful twist on the easy pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe.

Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the crust is cooling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Add the water and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens. Once done, remove from the heat and let the apple mixture cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Be sure not to overmix to avoid adding too much air into the batter. Pour this mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling

Once the cheesecake layer is evenly spread, carefully spoon the apple filling over the cheesecake. Try to spread it evenly, but don’t worry if it overlaps into the cheesecake—this will only add to the flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle the crumbs generously over the apple layer.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes at 325°F (165°C), or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. The cheesecake should jiggle slightly in the center. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for at least an hour before placing it in the refrigerator to chill for 3-4 hours or overnight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake

Overmixing the Cheesecake Filling: Overmixing can cause cracks or a runny texture. Be sure to mix just until combined.
Not Letting the Cheesecake Cool Before Refrigerating: Allowing it to cool on the counter before refrigerating helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make the crust soggy.
Using Warm Apples: Be sure the apple filling is cooled before placing it on the cheesecake, or it may affect the texture of the cheesecake layer.
Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t rush the chilling process—it helps set the cheesecake and ensures it’s firm and easy to slice.

Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is everything, and this dessert can be made even more special with a few simple touches:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top of the crumb topping for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar right before serving makes the pie look even more tempting.

If you want to try a Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar version, feel free to bake the cheesecake in a 9×13-inch pan for a more portable dessert option!

How to Serve Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake

Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy family dessert night. Serve it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some caramelized pears for a more decadent treat.

Extra Recipe Tips for Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake

Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, which actually allows the flavors to meld together even better.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

You could also prepare this dessert as a no-bake apple crumble cheesecake recipe by skipping the baking step and letting the cheesecake set in the refrigerator for a chilled version that’s just as delicious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, a pre-made graham cracker crust works perfectly. You can even use a pecan no bake cheesecake crust if you prefer the flavor.

Can I substitute the apples with other fruits?

Absolutely! Pears or peaches are excellent alternatives to apples, giving a slightly different flavor profile while still complementing the cheesecake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative crust like almond flour, and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Pie Cheesecake is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. If you’re a fan of Apple Pie Cheesecake, you’re going to love this blend of apple pie and cheesecake in one delectable dessert. It’s a simple yet special way to bring a comforting dessert to your table that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!