Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apple pie filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, all drizzled with sweet caramel sauce. The luscious layers of cheesecake and apple filling are balanced with a buttery graham cracker crust and finished with a crispy, cinnamon-spiced crumble. It's the ultimate dessert for any occasion, combining two favorite desserts—apple pie and cheesecake—into one indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love this recipe for its rich layers of flavor and texture. The creamy cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced apple filling, while the crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch. The drizzle of caramel sauce on top brings it all together with a perfect sweet touch. This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or simply as a decadent treat to enjoy after dinner.

Perfect Occasion: This cheesecake is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert. It’s also a great option for fall get-togethers or weekend baking projects when you’re craving something comforting and sweet.

Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake just before serving. You can also sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar for a classic look or garnish with a few apple slices and cinnamon sticks. If you want to add an extra layer of indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients for the Apple Pie Filling:

• 5 apples, cored and peeled
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with a little water

For the Crust:

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5.2 oz unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 28 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup oats (rolled oats or quick oats)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3.1 oz unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling

1. Core, peel, and slice the apples into medium-sized pieces.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Stir until the butter melts and everything is combined.
3. Add the sliced apples and gently mix without breaking them. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes until the apples have softened.
4. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form, or place them in a Ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a prepared 10-inch springform pan.
5. Bake for 7-8 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Lower the oven temperature to 140°C (280°F).
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth using an electric hand mixer.
3. Add the sour cream and mix until well combined.
4. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, then add them to the cheesecake mixture. Mix until smooth.
5. Sift in the cornstarch and mix until fully combined with no lumps.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour half of the cheesecake mixture onto the cooled crust and spread evenly.
2. Add the cooled apple pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer.
3. Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the apple filling.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cheesecake.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

1. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 140°C (280°F) for about 1 hour, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven and crack the door open halfway. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1-2 hours.
3. Once the cheesecake is at room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight to set.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once fully chilled, release the cheesecake from the springform pan.
2. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top or dust with powdered sugar.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Enjoy!