Why decide between two desserts when you can combine them? This apple crumble cheesecake has all the delicious flavours and textures of both an apple crumble, and a cheesecake! The biscuit base, crumble and apples are all laced with cinnamon and spices, making this dessert ideal for Autumn. The apples are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, the crumble and biscuit base provide crunchy texture and the cheesecake base is so creamy and light. It's also really easy to make! The cheesecake is no bake, the apples just get chucked in a pan and left to soften, and the crumble only needs to go in the oven for under 10 minutes. The only hard part is waiting for everything to cool and set, but trust me, it's worth the wait! If you love cheesecake and you love apple crumble, but you just can't decide between the two, then apple crumble cheesecake is the dessert for you!
Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information
- It is really important to stick to the ingredients and use full fat cream cheese and double cream (a cream with a 48% fat content), both of these ingredients are essential to ensure the no bake cheesecake sets. If you want to make a low fat version, I suggest doing this in small dessert glasses or ramekins as they will not set well enough to be sliced.
- I am based in the UK and I find that Philadelphia cream cheese is the thickest and best quality cream cheese to use for no bake cheesecakes. I have made many cheesecakes with supermarket own brand cream cheeses too, and they have worked great. If you can though, I think it is worth spending a little more for Philadelphia (and no they haven't paid me to say this!)
- I like to use Digestive biscuits (Graham crackers if you're in the US) for the base, but you could substitute if for another similar biscuit like ginger nuts or Hobnobs.
- You can use either butter or baking spread for the biscuit base, I find that baking spread makes the cheesecake easier to remove from the tin as it doesn't make the base set as solidly.
- Mixed spice is a British spice blend containing cinnamon, coriander seed, nutmeg, clove, pimento and ginger. If you can't get hold of it, use a Pumpkin Spice mix instead, or a blend of the above spices.
- You can find lots of answers to common no bake cheesecake questions on my How To Make A No Bake Cheesecake guide. If you've never made a no bake cheesecake before, I highly recommend reading through my guide first!
- Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales*. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around ยฃ12 ($16.50) .
- For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons* and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to make Apple Crumble Cheesecake
For the stewed apples, heat the apple, light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon and mixed spice in a pan on a low heat. Cover with a lid and cook until soft (10-15 minutes). Set aside to cool completely. To make the crumble topping, mix the ingredients together then spread it out onto a baking tray. Bake for around 10 minutes, then leave to cool completely. You can break it up into smaller pieces if needed.
To make the biscuit base, use a food processor to whizz up the digestive biscuits into crumbs or gently bash them up with the end of a rolling pin. Stir in the cinnamon, then add the melted butter and mix it all together. Press it into the bottom of the tin, then put it in the fridge.
To make the cheesecake filling, use an electric mixer to mix together the full fat cream cheese, vanilla extract and icing sugar until smooth with no lumps. Add the double cream, and whisk it until it is thick. Spread it over the biscuit base and smooth the top. Then put it in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours. To assemble the apple crumble cheesecake, remove it from the tin, then use a butter knife to smooth it all around the edges. Spread the stewed apples on top, then cover it with the crumble.
For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.
How do you remove a no bake cheesecake from the tin?
To see step by step photos and a video showing you how to remove a no bake cheesecake from the tin, as well as the answers to lots of other common no bake cheesecake questions, check out my How to make a No Bake Cheesecake guide!
How do you make sure the cheesecake sets?
When youโre mixing the filling, you want it to get to a stage where you can scoop some up with your spatula or spoon and you have to give it a tap on the side of the bowl or slight flick of the wrist to get the mixture off the spoon. If itโs sloppy and slides right off the spoon without any encouragement needed, then you need to mix it more. Always use an electric mixer for best results. Itโs also very important to use full fat cream cheese and double cream (heavy cream), as any low fat versions will affect the setting of the cheesecake. I always set my cheesecake overnight in the fridge, Iโd suggest a minimum of 4 hours.
What kind of apples should you use?
I have used Bramley, Jazz and Pink Lady apples to make this cheesecake, but any sweet eating apples will work.
How long does the cheesecake last and can it be frozen?
The cheesecake should be stored in the fridge and will last for 2-3 days. You can freeze the cheesecake, however you do need to let it set in the fridge first. Setting it in the freezer will affect the texture and it won't be as nice. Once it's set in the fridge, you can remove it from the tin and put the cheesecake in a box or tupperware. You could also slice it up, and freeze in portions. Then you can easily defrost a few slices at a time depending on when you'd like some cheesecake!
Can this cheesecake be made gluten free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten free, swap the biscuits in the biscuit base for gluten free biscuits and swap the plain flour in the crumble topping for a gluten free plain flour blend. I would also recommend that you check the packaging of everything you're using in the recipe in case of cross contamination.
Troubleshooting
If you have any questions about this recipe, or if something went wrong and you need help, please use the comment form below and I will get back to you. You can also get in touch with me on my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!
Recommended Equipment and Ingredients*
- 23cm Springform tin
- Electric hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Angled palette knife
- Kitchen scales
- Food processor
- Apple cutter
*I earn a small amount of money if you buy the products after clicking on the links. You will not be charged anything extra for this. Thank you for supporting The Baking Explorer!
More apple recipes...
Apple Crumble Cheesecake (No Bake)
Ingredients
For the apple topping
- 4 Apples chopped, cored & peeled (regular sized eating apples)
- 55 g Light brown sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ยฝ tsp Mixed spice
- 1 ยฝ tsp Cornflour
For the crumble topping
- 35 g Plain flour
- 15 g Light brown soft sugar
- ยผ tsp Cinnamon
- 25 g Butter cold
For the biscuit base
- 300 g Digestive biscuits crushed into crumbs
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 135 g Butter or baking spread melted
For the cheesecake filling
- 750 g Full fat cream cheese
- 125 g Icing sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 300 ml Double cream
Instructions
- To make the apple filling, peel and core the apples, then chop into small chunks. Add to a pan on a low heat along with the light brown sugar, cornflour, cinnamon and mixed spice. Stir everything together
- Cover with a pan lid, and cook the apple for 10-15 minutes until soft
- Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely
- To make the crumble, pre-heat your oven to 180C Fan/400F/Gas Mark 6, and line a baking tray with baking paper
- Put the plain flour, light brown soft sugar and cinnamon into a bowl and stir together
- Add the butter and use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. You can also use a fork to do this
- Spread it out onto a lined baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until it is golden and feels firmer to the touch (it will firm up more as it cools). You can use a fork to break it into smaller bits. Once it's completely cool, you can store it in an airtight container until ready to use
- To make the base use a food processor to whizz up the biscuits into crumbs, if you don't have a food processor, bash the biscuits gently with a rolling pin in a bowl or freezer bag. Mix the cinnamon into the biscuit crumbs
- Mix the melted butter into the biscuit crumbs, and press the mixture into the bottom of a 23cm springform tin. Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set
- For the cheesecake filling use a food mixer with a whisk attachment or an electric hand whisk to mix together the cream cheese, vanilla extract and icing sugar until smooth with no lumps
- Add the double cream and whisk until it is very thick and holds it's shape, You want it to get to a stage where you can scoop some up with your spatula or spoon and you have to give it a tap on the side of the bowl or slight flick of the wrist to get the mixture off the spoon. If itโs sloppy and slides right off the spoon without any encouragement needed, then you need to mix it more
- Smooth the filling into the tin on top of the biscuit base, then put it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to set
- Remove the cheesecake from the tin and put on your serving plate. Smooth the sides with a butter knife to create a neater finish if needed
- Pile the apple mixture on top and spread it out, then sprinkle over the crumble
- Serve immediately, store any leftovers in the fridge and eat within 2-3 days
Video
Notes
- It is really important to stick to the ingredients and use full fat cream cheese and double cream (a cream with a 48% fat content), both of these ingredients are essential to ensure the no bake cheesecake sets. If you want to make a low fat version, I suggest doing this in small dessert glasses or ramekins as they will not set well enough to be sliced.
- I am based in the UK and I find that Philadelphia cream cheese is the thickest and best quality cream cheese to use for no bake cheesecakes. I have made many cheesecakes with supermarket own brand cream cheeses too, and they have worked great. If you can though, I think it is worth spending a little more for Philadelphia (and no they haven't paid me to say this!)
- I like to use Digestive biscuits (Graham crackers if you're in the US) for the base, but you could substitute if for another similar biscuit like ginger nuts or Hobnobs.
- You can use either butter or baking spread for the biscuit base, I find that baking spread makes the cheesecake easier to remove from the tin as it doesn't make the base set as solidly.
- Mixed spice is a British spice blend containing cinnamon, coriander seed, nutmeg, clove, pimento and ginger. If you can't get hold of it, use a Pumpkin Spice mix instead, or a blend of the above spices.
- You can find lots of answers to common no bake cheesecake questions on my How To Make A No Bake Cheesecake guide. If you've never made a no bake cheesecake before, I highly recommend reading through my guide first!
- Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales*. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around ยฃ12 ($16.50) .
- For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons* and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
Cat
What a fantastic unique idea. I've never seen anything like this and it looks so tasty! I love apple crumble with cream so apple crumble and cheesecake seems like the best combination x
thebakingexplorer
Thanks Cat! I think you'd definitely like this cheesecake then!
Samantha
Looks absolutely fabulous, thank you for this recipe! I am currently making it right now for our family Thanksgiving dessert tomorrow, and anpther one tomorrow night for a good friend's family Thanksgiving dinner!
Is it important to add the apple crisp before serving and not have it set overnight with the cheesecake?(will the apples get too soggy and ruin the top of the cheesecake?)
Also, one slight modification I'll be adding is a caramel syrup drizzle on top and dripping down the sides ๐
thebakingexplorer
Hi, yes add the apple crumble before serving otherwise it will get soggy from the moisture of the apples. Caramel syrup sounds amazing! Hope you enjoy!
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain
It's a good job I wasn't at your party Kat, it looks so lush Kat I think I'd have hidden away with it in a corner. Just me, the cheesecake and a spoon! Nobody else wouldhave had a look in! It looks seriously yummy, I'm such a fan of apple & cinnamon, cheesecake & crumble! This must have been heaven!
Angela x
thebakingexplorer
Haha! I was tempted to do the same myself!
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie
Looks gorgeous - and such a clever idea! I always love a dessert mashup ๐ And love the 'like crack' comment, hilarious - no experience here either, but definitely sounds like a compliment!! Thanks for linking up to #cookblogshare. Eb x
thebakingexplorer
Thanks Eb! It's certainly one of the funnier compliments I've received! ๐
Christine
Oh wow, have to have some of that! Thanks for sharing this at the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party. Hope you're finding some new friends.
thebakingexplorer
I'm really enjoying taking part, thanks so much for hosting!
[email protected]
Oh my this looks fantastic. Cheesecake is my favorite cake and crumb topped apple pie is my favorite pie. You created this just for me, how nice of you. LOL pinned
thebakingexplorer
Great minds think alike! ๐ I hope you enjoy it!
Jhuls
Yay! This looks really good! Thanks for sharing and for linking up at Fiesta Friday party! And oh, congrats on the feature at Fiesta Friday this week. ๐
thebakingexplorer
Thanks so much Jhuls!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
This looks super yummy! I love no bake cheesecakes and the addition of the apples and crumb topping to your cheesecake have me drooling!!
thebakingexplorer
Thank you Kelly! It's such a yummy combination!
CakePants
I can never say no to cheesecake, and this one looks truly indulgent! It's perfect for the transition to fall, when it's still a little too warm to turn on the oven for long periods of time. Yum!
thebakingexplorer
Thank you! It's super easy to make too which is always a bonus!
Kate - gluten free alchemist
Yes please!!!! Sounds absolutely delicious. I imagine waiting for it to all cool down is really really tough! x
Julie McPherson
Cheesecake and the flavours of apple crumble all combined into one finished dessert sounds simply heavenly. Commenting as BritMums Baking Round-up Editor. ๐
Sammie
Kat this looks so good. Iโm imagining the slight tang of the cheesecake with the cinnamon apples and the crumble topping. And Iโve really got to stopas I am in fact drooling! Utterly scrumptious and pinned.
Sue
Hi, I'm a Brit living in Canada and we don't have double cream. Would whipping cream work? This recipe looks so good!
thebakingexplorer
Hi Sue, you need to use the highest fat cream you can possibly get. Double cream is about 48% fat so it is ideal for ensuring this cheesecake sets. A heavy cream around 38% should work ok, but I've never tried it myself. Whipping cream is usually around 30& fat so this may not be enough to get the cheesecake to set. If that's your only option, you can serve the cheesecake in individual pots or glasses instead, as it may not set well enough to slice. I hope this helps!
Cassie
Made this yesterday and oh wow is it amazing ๐๐ wish I could post a photo lol, thank you ๐