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Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Perfectly Smooth Every Time

Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Perfectly Smooth Every Time
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★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

This Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines a smooth, creamy cheesecake base with a spiced apple crumble topping and a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and baked in a water bath to ensure a crack-free finish, this dessert is perfect for fall or any time you crave a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 ounces (3 blocks) cream cheese, full fat, at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, full fat, at room temperature

For the Apple Crumble Topping:

  • 2 medium baking apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced small
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it is completely sealed and extends up the sides. This waterproof barrier is essential for the water bath to prevent leaks and maintain moisture while baking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well incorporated. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly to set.
  3. Prepare Apple Filling: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the crumble topping.
  4. Make the Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, and using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep the mixture cold for optimum texture after baking.
  5. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. This step eliminates lumps, ensuring a smooth, velvety cheesecake texture.
  6. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Gradually add 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the cornstarch and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until combined after each addition to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks. Finally, gently fold in the room temperature sour cream until just combined—do not overmix.
  7. Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release large air bubbles. Set aside both the apple mixture and crumble topping for later use.
  8. Bake with Water Bath (Initial Bake): Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Transfer both pans to the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are beginning to set but the center remains jiggly to the touch.
  9. Add Topping & Continue Baking: Without removing the cheesecake from the water bath, carefully spoon the prepared apple mixture evenly over the partially set cheesecake. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Return the pans to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the edges of the cheesecake are fully set, the center has a slight jiggle, and the crumble topping is golden brown.
  10. Gradual Cooling: Turn off the oven, but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar (propped open about an inch or two with a wooden spoon or oven mitt). This slow cooling step helps prevent cracks caused by sudden temperature changes. Let the cheesecake cool this way for 1 hour.
  11. Final Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and carefully lift it out of the water bath. Remove the foil wrap. Run a thin knife around the edges of the cheesecake inside the pan to loosen it as it cools and contracts. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely on a wire rack for 2-3 hours at room temperature. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to thoroughly chill and set.
  12. Serve: To serve, remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Enjoy the perfect balance of smooth cheesecake, tart spiced apples, crunchy crumble, and sweet caramel!

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter and a crack-free cheesecake.
  • Ensure the springform pan is tightly wrapped in heavy-duty foil to prevent water from leaking into the cheesecake during the water bath bake.
  • Do not overmix the eggs; mix them on low speed just until incorporated to avoid too much air in the batter.
  • Gradual cooling in the oven prevents cracking and helps maintain a creamy texture.
  • The crumble topping can be prepared ahead and kept cold until ready to use.
  • Store-bought caramel sauce is fine, but homemade caramel sauce adds a richer, more authentic flavor.
  • For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld and the filling to fully set.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake, Smooth Cheesecake, Apple Topping, Water Bath Cheesecake, Fall Dessert, Caramel Drizzle

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/caramel-apple-crumble-cheesecake-perfectly-smooth-every-time/