When it comes to Thanksgiving recipes, few desserts can rival the warm, nostalgic flavors of apple crumble or the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. This Apple Crumble Cheesecake blends both into one unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table—or any festive occasion that calls for something special.
Whether you’re hosting a large holiday feast or an intimate dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its layers of spiced apples, rich cheesecake, and buttery crumble topping.
Ingredients for the Perfect Thanksgiving Cheesecake Dessert
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp cinnamon
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
the Apple Layer:
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3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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1 tsp lemon juice
the Crumble Topping:
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ cup rolled oats
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½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
Required Kitchen Tools
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9-inch springform pan
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Mixing bowls (various sizes)
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Electric mixer or hand whisk
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Rubber spatula
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Saucepan or skillet (for apple layer)
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Cooling rack
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Oven and refrigerator
Step-by-Step Instructions – Bake This Thanksgiving Recipe Like a Pro
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaks when using a water bath.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
In a skillet over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sauté until the apples are tender but not mushy—about 5–7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and flour; mix until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla. Do not overbeat to avoid cracks.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust. Layer with half of the apple mixture. Add the remaining cheesecake batter on top and smooth the surface. Finish with the remaining apples.
Step 6: Add Crumble Topping
In a bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
Step 7: Bake in a Water Bath
Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled with 1 inch of hot water. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 45 minutes with the door slightly open.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a rack. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Run a knife around the edge before releasing the springform pan.
Tips to Make Your Thanksgiving Recipes
Cheesecake Even Better
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Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake.
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Avoid overbeating the cheesecake batter—this can lead to cracks during baking.
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Always use a water bath when baking cheesecakes for even cooking and moisture.
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Make ahead: This dessert stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Optional drizzle: Add a caramel sauce drizzle before serving for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Info – Know What’s in Your Thanksgiving Recipes
Dessert
Please note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
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Calories: 480
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Fat: 30g
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Saturated Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Sugar: 28g
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Protein: 6g
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Fiber: 2g
Conclusion: A Must-Have for Your Thanksgiving Recipes Collection
Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate marriage of two holiday classics: the creamy richness of cheesecake and the cozy familiarity of baked apples with a crunchy topping. It’s an elegant yet comforting dessert that elevates any Thanksgiving spread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday newbie, this recipe is simple enough to master and sophisticated enough to wow.