Golden Apple Crumble Cheesecake Dream

Just look at this gorgeous Apple Crumble Cheesecake from the picture! It has everything: a crunchy base, sweet cooked apples, creamy cheesecake goodness, and that irresistible crumble on top, all drizzled with caramel. It tastes as amazing as it looks, with all those lovely textures together. Preparing something this special at home feels fantastic, and it’s perfect for sharing with people you care about. No need to worry if baking is new territory – this guide breaks down every step simply, so anyone can give it a go!

What You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools and ingredients beforehand makes the process smoother.

Kitchen Equipment:

• 🥣 Large Mixing Bowls (at least 3)
• 🥄 Measuring Cups & Spoons
• 🔪 Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
• 🍎 Apple Peeler/Corer (optional, but helpful)
• 🍳 Medium Saucepan
• 🔥 Stovetop Burner
• ⚡️ Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand)
• 🧑‍🍳 Rubber Spatula
• 🎂 9-inch (23cm) Springform Pan (This type of pan has sides that unclip, making it easy to remove the cheesecake without damage)
• 🥘 Large Roasting Pan (for the water bath)
• 📄 Aluminum Foil
• 🌡️ Oven
• 🥅 Wire Rack (for cooling)

Halal Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 🍪 1 ½ cups Halal Graham Cracker Crumbs (about 10-12 full crackers)
• 🧈 ¼ cup (57g) Unsalted Halal Butter, melted
• 🍚 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar

For the Apple Layer:

• 🍏 3 medium Apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces
• 🍋 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 🍚 ¼ cup (50g) Granulated Sugar
• ✨ ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 🤏 Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
• 💧 1 tablespoon Water

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 🧀 24 oz (680g) Halal Cream Cheese, softened (Leave it at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling)
• 🍚 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
• 🥛 ¼ cup (60ml) Halal Heavy Cream
• ✨ 1 teaspoon alcohol free Vanilla Extract
• 🥚 3 Large Eggs, at room temperature

For the Crumble Topping:

• 🌾 ½ cup (65g) All-Purpose Flour
• 🍯 ¼ cup (55g) Packed Light Brown Sugar
• ✨ ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 🧈 ¼ cup (57g) Cold Unsalted Halal Butter, cut into small cubes
• 🥜 ¼ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional, but adds texture seen in the image)

For Serving:

• 🍯 Halal Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Getting Started: The Crust

The foundation of this cheesecake is a simple graham cracker crust, visible as the bottom layer in the image.

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and stir until all the crumbs are moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
3. Press into Pan: Tip the buttery crumbs into the 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to press the crumbs firmly and evenly onto the bottom of the pan. Pressing firmly helps the crust hold together.
4. Pre-Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until it’s set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack while preparing the next layers.

Preparing the Fruity Layer

This layer adds moisture and a lovely apple flavour, evident between the crust and cheesecake filling in the photo.

1. Combine Apple Ingredients: In the medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, ¼ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning too much.
2. Cook the Apples: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles breaking the surface). Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape. They shouldn’t turn into mush.
3. Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple mixture cool down while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Mixing the Cheesecake Filling

Achieving a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling like the one pictured requires careful mixing.

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula periodically to ensure everything is incorporated. This step is vital for a creamy texture.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the 1 cup of granulated sugar while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until smooth.
4. Add Eggs: Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each egg yolk is broken and blended into the batter. Do not overbeat once the eggs are added, as this incorporates too much air and can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Stop mixing as soon as the last egg is incorporated. The final batter should be smooth and pourable.

Assembling the Layers

Now it’s time to put the components together in the pan.

1. Apple Layer: Gently spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust in the springform pan.
2. Cheesecake Filling: Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the apple layer, spreading it evenly with the rubber spatula.

Making the Crumble Topping

This topping adds the delightful crunch seen on the surface of the cheesecake slice.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Working quickly prevents the butter from melting too much.
3. Add Nuts (Optional): If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
4. Sprinkle: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top of the cheesecake batter in the springform pan.

Baking Perfection

Baking cheesecake in a water bath (or bain-marie) helps it cook gently and evenly, preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy texture.

1. Prepare Water Bath: Bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil. Take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and wrap it securely around the outside of the springform pan, covering the bottom and extending up the sides. This prevents water from seeping into the pan. Repeat with a second layer of foil for extra protection.
2. Position Pans: Carefully place the foil-wrapped springform pan inside the larger roasting pan. Pour the hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan, being careful not to splash any onto the cheesecake batter. The water should come about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake: Very carefully transfer the roasting pan setup into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center is almost set – it should still have a slight wobble when gently shaken. Do not overbake.
4. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This gradual cooling process also helps prevent cracking.

Finishing Touches

Patience during cooling is key to the final texture.

1. Initial Cooling: After 1 hour in the turned-off oven, carefully remove the roasting pan. Lift the springform pan out of the water bath and remove the foil wrapping. Let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature (about 1-2 hours).
2. Chill: Once completely cool, cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap (don’t let it touch the surface) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavor.
3. Release and Drizzle: Before serving, run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan sides. Carefully release and remove the springform pan ring. Just before serving, drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce, replicating the finish shown in the image.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Slice the chilled Apple Crumble Cheesecake with a large, sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices. Admire the distinct layers you assembled – the golden crust, the tender apples, the creamy filling, and the crunchy, caramel-kissed topping.

Presenting this homemade cheesecake brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Enjoy the delicious results of your careful preparation. Feel welcome to share pictures of your finished cheesecake! Happy baking!