Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- To prepare the apple filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- To craft the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Let cool completely.
- To mix the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
- Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- To assemble and bake: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the apple layer.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cheesecake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
To prevent cracks, cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven. Ensure cream cheese is completely softened for a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing the batter. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble. Run a thin knife around the edges before releasing from the springform pan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Experiment with different apple varieties like Braeburn, Gala, or Fuji. Add caramel sauce, ground ginger, cardamom, chopped pecans, walnuts, apple brandy, or bourbon for variations.
