Apple Crumble Chocolate Cheesecake: A Fall-Inspired Delight

This Apple Crumble Chocolate Cheesecake is a decadent fusion of rich chocolate crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a warm, spiced apple topping. The combination of the smooth mascarpone and quark cheesecake with the sweet and tart apple compote, all finished with buttery almond streusel, makes it the perfect dessert for cozy fall days. The contrast between the deep chocolatey base and the cinnamon-infused apples creates a comforting yet indulgent treat, ideal for autumn gatherings or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall in love with this cheesecake for its multi-layered textures and flavors. The chocolate shortcrust base is rich and crispy, perfectly complementing the light, creamy cheesecake filling. The cinnamon-spiced apple topping brings a touch of warmth and sweetness, while the crunchy almond streusel adds the perfect finish. This dessert brings together the best of autumn flavors—apples, cinnamon, and chocolate—in one incredible cake. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead for family gatherings or special occasions.

Perfect Occasion:

This apple crumble chocolate cheesecake is perfect for fall festivities, holiday dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade dessert. It’s great for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or an elegant after-dinner treat. The combination of rich and refreshing flavors makes it perfect for both formal and casual settings, and it’s sure to be a hit at any dessert table.

Decoration Tips:

For a beautiful presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. You can also add a few slices of fresh apple or some whole cinnamon sticks on the side for an autumnal touch. If you’re looking to elevate the indulgence, drizzle the cake with a bit of caramel sauce or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Shortcrust Dough:

• 350g all-purpose flour
• 50g cocoa powder
• 150g sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 250g butter
• 1 egg
• Grated tonka bean (optional)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 50g almond flakes
• 50g ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• A pinch of grated tonka bean (optional)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 500g low-fat quark
• 250g mascarpone
• 100g sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 eggs

For the Apple Topping:

• 1kg apples
• 100ml apple juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Shortcrust Dough:
   In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and grated tonka bean (if using). Add the butter and egg, and knead until you form a smooth dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.Roll out 2/3 of the dough and press it into the bottom and sides of a 28cm springform pan lined with parchment paper. Reserve the remaining 1/3 of the dough for the streusel topping. Mix it with the streusel ingredients (almond flakes, ground almonds, sugar, and tonka bean) and form crumbles. Set aside in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the quark, mascarpone, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and eggs. Beat until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture over the prepared shortcrust dough.
3. Pre-bake the Cake:
   Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) with top and bottom heat. Bake the cheesecake for 40 minutes.
4. Prepare the Apple Topping:
   While the cake is baking, peel, core, and dice the apples. Mix 3 tablespoons of apple juice with the cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside. In a saucepan, heat the remaining apple juice, sugar, and apple pieces. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until the apples soften. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   After the initial 40-minute bake, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Spread the apple compote evenly over the cheesecake layer, then sprinkle the almond streusel on top.
6. Final Bake:
   Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes until the streusel is golden and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve:
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the pan and dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy your Apple Crumble Chocolate Cheesecake, a perfect fall dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!