Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the Apples:

• 3 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Pastry Crumble:

• 2/3 cup (85 g) flour
• 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (about 4 tablespoons or 60 g), softened

For the Cheesecake Base:

• 2 cups (200 g) speculaas (gingerbread cookies), crushed
• 1/3 cup butter (about 5 tablespoons or 75 g), melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups natural cream cheese (about 17.6 oz or 500 g)
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). This temperature ensures a gentle bake, allowing the cheesecake to cook evenly without cracking.

Step 2: Prepare the Speculaas Base

1. Grind the Gingerbread Cookies
   Use a food processor to finely grind 200 grams of speculaas cookies into a sandy texture. This will form a solid base for your cheesecake.
2. Melt the Butter
   Melt 75 grams of butter in the microwave or on the stove. Mix the melted butter thoroughly with the ground cookies until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Prepare the Springform Pan
   Grease a springform pan with a little butter to prevent sticking. Pour the cookie mixture into the pan and press it firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon.

   Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

   1. Peel and Dice the Apples
      Peel 3 apples, core them, and cut them into small cubes. This ensures even cooking and a uniform texture.
   2. Mix with Cinnamon
      In a bowl, sprinkle the apple cubes with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. If desired, add a bit of sugar to enhance the sweetness. Mix well to coat all the apple pieces evenly.

   Step 4: Make the Shortcrust Pastry Crumble

   1. Combine Ingredients
      In a large bowl, combine 2/3 cup (85 g) flour, 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar, and 60 grams of butter.
   2. Form Crumbs
      Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, knead the mixture until large crumbs form. This crumbly dough will create a delightful, crunchy topping for your cheesecake.

   Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

   1. Mix the Ingredients
      In a large mixing bowl, add 500 grams of natural cream cheese, 125 grams of sour cream, 75 grams of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 3 eggs.
   2. Blend Until Smooth
      Use a mixer or food processor to blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Ensure there are no lumps for the best texture.

   Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake

   1. Pour the Filling
      Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie base in the springform pan. Spread it out evenly to ensure a smooth layer.
   2. Add the  Apples
      Evenly distribute the cinnamon-spiced  apple cubes over the cream cheese layer.
   3. Top with Crumbs
      Sprinkle the prepared shortcrust pastry crumbs over the apples, ensuring an even layer to create a crunchy top.

   Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake

   1. Bake
      Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
   2. Cool Gradually
      Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the oven door slightly ajar. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven gradually to prevent cracks from forming on the surface.

      Step 8: Chill and Serve

      1. Chill
         After cooling in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly.
      2. Serve
         Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and spiced flavors of this delightful dessert.

      Layers of Flavor

      This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is all about layers of flavor and texture. The base offers a firm, spicy foundation from the speculaas cookies, the filling is rich and creamy with a hint of cinnamon, and the topping provides a delightful crunch with each bite. The spiced apples add natural sweetness and moisture, making every mouthful a delectable experience.