Apple crumble cheesecake sits on a shortbread crust with a layer of salted caramel apples, then a creamy cheesecake filling, and a pecan crumble topping. A fall dessert doesn’t get any better than this!
In a medium bowl using a pastry cutter or a handheld electric mixer, combine flour, butter, sugar, egg yolk and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should see little bits butter remaining.
Press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a light golden brown.
In the meantime, prepare your caramel apple layer. In a medium sized skillet or non-stick pan, combine apple wedges with butter and ground cinnamon. Cook on medium heat until apples are soft and tender (7-10 minutes). Set aside.
Once your crust is baked, remove from oven and lower oven temperature to 325F.
Pour apples on your baked crust and drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Set aside while you prepare your cheesecake filling.
In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and sugar on low medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add vanilla extract and stir until incorporated.
Pour your cream cheese mixture over your apple layer and smoothen the top.
Before putting your cheesecake in the oven, place a roasting pan (or a 9x13 inch baking pan) on the bottom shelf of your oven. Pour hot water until the pan is ⅔ full.
Place your cheesecake on the middle shelf and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set (see notes).
In the meantime, prepare your apple topping (see notes). In a medium-sized skillet or non-stick pan, combine all topping ingredients and cook on low-medium heat until apples are tender, sugar is completely absorbed and the topping is nice and sticky (about 20 minutes).
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Once your cheesecake is done baking, take it out of the oven and allow to cool on the counter. After a few minutes - run a thin, sharp knife around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan.
When your cheesecake and apple topping have cooled to room temperature, place topping on top of cheesecake. Chill cheesecake (still in the pan) in the fridge for 4-6 hours, preferably overnight so it can continue to set.
To serve, drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Enjoy!
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Notes
The number of servings depends on how big or small you slice the cake. Nutrition information is based on 12 servings.
I like using granny smith apples in this recipe. You can use whatever apple variety you like. See post for tips on how to choose the best apples for baking.
You'll know your cheesecake is set when it's starting to pull away from the sides but the middle is still jiggly/wobbly but not soupy. See post for more tips.
You can prepare your topping ahead of time and just store in the fridge until you're ready to assemble your cheesecake.
See the post for complete step-by-step photos and more cheesecake baking tips.