The Apple Crumble Cheesecake That Casts a Spell

Some desserts aren’t just recipes…they’re rituals.

You feel it the moment you begin: the crackle of cinnamon in the pan, the hiss of apples softening in butter, the hush that falls over the kitchen as the cheesecake sets in low, slow heat.

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake isn’t cute.

She’s dramatic.

She’s decadent.

She’s the kind of dessert you bring to a gathering when you want to raise eyebrows and shut people up mid-sentence.

Crafted for the season of shadows, cinnamon, and second helpings, this recipe brings together everything I love about autumn baking, all in one witchy, soul-hugging bite.

Let’s stir up something delicious, shall we?

The Mood Behind the Magic

There’s a reason this dessert keeps making a return to my fall menu…

It’s layered. 

Complex. 

Familiar, but with a twist…just like the best kinds of spells.

• A gingersnap crust that crackles with spice and warmth

• A creamy white chocolate cheesecake base, laced with vanilla bean

• A slow-simmered apple filling so good it should come with a warning

• And a crumble topping that tastes like cinnamon came back from the dead just to flirt with you

Serve it under candlelight. Or on your kitchen counter at midnight. Either way, it won’t last long.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

(Makes one 8-inch cheesecake or approx. 18 mini 3.5 oz cakes)

What You’ll Need:

Apple Filling

5 Granny Smith Apples (peeled, diced)

¾ cup Brown Sugar 

1 Tbsp. Cinnamon 

⅓ Cup. Butter

Gingersnap Crust

1 pkg. Gingersnap Cookies (crushed)

¼ Cup. Granulated Sugar 

¼ Cup Butter, melted

Crumble Topping:

½ Cup. Brown Sugar

½ Cup. All purpose flour

2 Tsp. Cinnamon

⅓ Cup. Butter

Cheesecake

3 pkg. Cream Cheese (room temperature)

⅓ Cup. Granulated Sugar 

3 Eggs

1 Vanilla Bean

1 Tbsp. Vanilla

2 Cups. White Chocolate 

½ Cups. Whipping Cream

Casting The Layers / The Assembly Ritual 

Crust:

Combine all ingredients and mix until well combined. Press into the bottom of your chosen pan, set aside.

Apple Filling:

Combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat until Apples have reduced by half and sauce has thickened, approx 12 min. Remove from heat and set aside.

Crumble Topping:

Combine all ingredients and mix until mixture resembles set sand and holds its shape when pressed firmly together. Set aside.

Cheesecake: 

Using a double boiler over medium low heat, melt Chocolate and Whipping Cream until smooth. Set aside.

Using a stand mixer, beat Cream Cheese and Sugar on medium speed until smooth. Next, add eggs, one at a time, ensuring to scrap down the bowl between additions. Meanwhile, use a pairing knife to split vanilla Bean down the center and scrap out pods, add to cream Cheese batter. Next, add melted chocolate and vanilla, mix until well combined.

Alternating between Apple Filling and cream Cheese batter, begin layering the two ending with the cheesecake batter. Next, sprinkle the crumble filling on top. 

Bake Until Bewitched

Bake Cheesecakes at 290*F for approximately 1 hour until the middle of the cheesecake appears almost set. 

If using an 8" springform pan, bake cheesecake for approximately 2 hours until middle of the cheesecake appears set

Chill cheesecakes overnight

The Last Crumb

This is the kind of dessert that doesn’t just feed, it conjures.

It wraps around your senses and makes you want to slow down, serve seconds, light a candle, and maybe text your ex just to show them what they missed.

Make it for your coven. Make it for your altar.

Or make it just for you, and eat it with your fingers in the dark (I won’t tell).

And if this recipe casts a little spell on you, join the waitlist for The Kanaka Circle, my monthly membership for those who crave dessert with depth, rituals with richness, and recipes that leave a little imprint. Launching soon!

!! Sign up here !!

Till next time! Keep it moody, keep it magic,

Erin