The Thanksgiving Apple Crumble Cheesecake is creamy, spiced, and buttery a dessert that bridges the best of fall pies and cheesecakes. Imagine velvety cheesecake layers topped with caramelized apples and cinnamon crumble. One bite, and it feels like the holiday season just gave you a warm hug.
Why You’ll Love It
This isn’t just another fall dessert. It’s the perfect balance between creamy cheesecake and crisp apple crumble with every layer bringing texture and warmth.
- Creamy base: smooth vanilla cheesecake
- Apple filling: sautéed cinnamon apples with brown sugar
- Crumble topping: buttery, crunchy, irresistible
- Holiday-ready: make it a day before Thanksgiving dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Crumble Topping
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
Mix graham crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender but not mushy. Let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
Beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and eggs until silky. Pour over crust.
Step 4: Add Apple Layer
Spoon the caramelized apples evenly over the cheesecake mixture.
Step 5: Add the Crumble
Combine flour, oats, and butter until crumbly; sprinkle over apples.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely.
Cooling & Serving Tips
As it cools, your kitchen fills with the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and toasted butter the scent of Thanksgiving itself.
Let it rest for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for that perfect creamy slice.
Make-Ahead & Mini Gift Versions
Turn this cheesecake into mini crumble jars for gifting!
Use small mason jars or muffin tins, layer crust → cheesecake → apples → crumble, and bake for 15 minutes less. Tie a ribbon, chill overnight perfect edible gifts for guests or neighbors.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked top | Overbaked | Stop when slightly jiggly in center |
| Soggy crust | Not prebaked | Always pre-bake crust 10 min |
| Watery apples | Overcooked | Cook only until softened |
| Crumbly layer burns | High heat | Lower rack position or tent foil |
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: 3–4 days in airtight container
- Freezer: up to 2 months (unglazed)
- Thaw: Overnight in fridge, not microwave
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but sauté it 5 minutes to reduce excess syrup.
Can I skip the oats in the crumble?
You can replace with crushed graham crackers for smoother texture.
What cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers and oats.
Conclusion
Every Thanksgiving table needs that one dessert that stops the conversation this Apple Crumble Cheesecake is it.
Creamy, spiced, and utterly comforting, it’s the sweet note your holiday deserves.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!
🍂 More Thanksgiving Desserts to Try
- Don’t miss the Thanksgiving Apple Cinnamon Roll warm, gooey, and full of fall flavor.
- For a creamy dip to share, make our Thanksgiving Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip.
- Love fruity layers? You’ll adore the Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream Recipe.
- Add fun to your cookie tray with Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
- Explore more cozy treats in our Easy Fall Dessert Recipes Collection.