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No-Bake Apple Crumble Cheesecake

prep time: 30 min | bake time: 30 min | total time: 6-8 hrs

This no-bake apple crumble cheesecake combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the crunch of a biscuit base and the warmth of caramelized apples. It’s topped with a buttery crumble for an added layer of texture and flavor. Perfect for fall or any time of year, this cheesecake is sure to impress! Made eggless and dairy-free with no baking required!

No Bake Apple Crumble Cheesecake

This recipe has gone viral on my Instagram and Facebook page so many times. It must be that good! If you love apple crumble and you love cheesecake this is the recipe for you! I’ve made life a little easier by combining these two delicious desserts into one cake that can be enjoyed by everyone! No baking is required for this Apple Crumble Cheesecake and it comes together in just a few hours. The apples offer the perfect balance of tart and sweet while the crumble and biscuit base provide a satisfying crunch. The no-bake cheesecake? 

Let’s just say it’s incredibly light, creamy and highly addictive. For the finishing touches, you can expect a classic apple crumble topping with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Whether you’re craving a fall-inspired dessert or a year-round treat, this apple crumble cheesecake is an irresistible indulgence for any dessert lover. 

What Are the Best Apples to Use for Baking?

For the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples for this recipe. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well when cooked. They provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake. Gala apples are on the sweeter side and provide a softer texture and natural sweetness to the recipe. If you don’t have these varieties, any baking apple will work but always aim for a balance of tart and sweet for the best flavor.

Tools Needed to Create This Apple Crumble Dessert

Ingredients in Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Biscuit Base Ingredients

  • Graham Crackers: The classic option for most cheesecake crusts; these crackers form the crunchy base of the cheesecake. Their slightly sweet and mildly spiced flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. You can substitute graham crackers with any digestive biscuits for a more neutral flavor. The base can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten free cracker or biscuit.
  • Cane or Castor Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar goes a long way and it is mixed into the cracker crumbs for extra sweetness. It balances the richness of the butter and enhances the overall flavor of the crust. This is optional and can be skipped if your crackers are already sweet or you’d like to reduce the sugar content.
  • Melted Butter: Essential for binding the graham cracker crumbs together. You can use any type of butter you have on hand. I’ve made this recipe with dairy-free butter and margarine and both worked out perfectly. The melted butter coats the crumbs, allowing them to compact and form a firm, solid base that supports the cheesecake filling.

No Bake Cinnamon Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): The primary ingredient in the cheesecake filling, cream cheese provides a smooth, rich, and creamy texture. It’s crucial to use room-temperature cream cheese before mixing to ensure it blends with the rest of the ingredients. This gives the cheesecake its signature creamy, lump-free and velvety consistency. You can use any type of cream cheese here – if you want your cheesecake to be dairy-free use a vegan alternative.
  • Powdered Sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves easily into the cream cheese mixture and ensures you do not have a grainy texture. It also helps stabilize the filling, giving it structure without being too heavy.
  • Whipping Cream: Whipping cream adds lightness to the cheesecake filling, giving it an airy and mousse-like texture. Whip it to medium peaks before folding it into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the cheesecake’s fluffy and creamy consistency. Using a dairy-free whipping cream will offer the same results.
  • Cinnamon Powder: Warm up the cheesecake filling with a dash of cinnamon. This classic fall ingredient complements the flavors of the apples and crumble.
  • Vanilla Extract: Included for a subtle sweetness as well as to enhance the overall flavor of the cream cheese. Vanilla helps tie the cinnamon and apple flavors together.

Caramelized Apple Topping Ingredients

  • Granny Smith & Gala Apples: This apple combination is ideal for creating a balance of sweetness and tartness for the topping of this cheesecake. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well when cooked, while Gala apples add natural sweetness and a softer texture. Together, they give the apple topping a perfect mix of textures.
  • Cane or Castor Sugar: Used to caramelize the apples, sugar helps break down the apples and releases their natural juices. As it cooks, the sugar caramelizes, adding a rich sweetness to the apples and giving the topping a golden, glossy finish. Brown sugar is a suitable substitution if you want a more caramelized flavor.
  • Cinnamon Powder: Cinnamon complements the sweetness of the caramelized apples by adding a warm, earthy flavor. 
  • Vanilla Extract: The vanilla adds depth and rounds out the topping, making it more flavorful and aromatic.
  • Cornstarch Mixed with Water: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the apple mixture. It ensures the apples develop a thick, caramel-like sauce as they cook.

Crumble Topping Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: For the crumble topping a little flour helps form the structure when mixed with butter and sugar. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.
  • Cane or Castor Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the crumble but also helps it brown as it bakes. It adds a subtle caramelized flavor to the topping, making it crispy and slightly chewy, which pairs well with soft apples and creamy cheesecake.
  • Melted Butter: Butter is what makes the crumble rich and crispy. When combined with flour and sugar, it binds the ingredients together and ensures that the crumble has a crisp, buttery texture.
  • Cinnamon Powder: A touch of cinnamon in the crumble adds warmth and ties the flavors of the topping and cheesecake together.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the sugar and highlight the warm spices. 

How to Make This No Bake Apple Crumble Cheesecake

How to Make the Graham Cracker Crust

To make the biscuit base, use a food processor to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, put your crackers in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with the powdered sugar and melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press this mixture into the base and sides of an 8-inch springform pan, and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Whip the whipping cream and powdered sugar using an electric handheld mixer until medium peaks form, then set aside in the fridge. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon powder, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mixture until smooth and creamy. Pour the filling over the chilled biscuit base. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, and refrigerate for at least 6-7 hours.

Prepare The Apples and Caramelize 

Peel and chop the granny smith and gala apples into small cubes. Heat a saucepan over medium and combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Once the apples have softened, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Set your caramelized apples aside to cool completely.

For the Crumble Topping

Mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Bake the crumble at 375°F or 190°C for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before applying to the cheesecake. Both the caramelized apples and crumble can be done well in advance as the cheesecake requires quite a few hours to set in the fridge.

Assemble the Cheesecake

Gently release the sides of the springform pan with an offset spatula. If your edges are sticking you can run a thin knife around the edge to help release the cake. Place the cheesecake on a plate, and top it with the cooled caramelized apples, baked crumble, and caramel sauce. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days!

Tips for a Perfect Apple Crumble Cheesecake

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, lump-free filling, make sure all your ingredients (especially the cream cheese) are at room temperature.
  • Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent a grainy texture or a filling that won’t set properly.
  • Chill Well: Make sure to chill the cheesecake for at least 6-7 hours to ensure it sets properly.
  • Balance the Apples: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Gala) apples for a more complex flavor.
  • Use a Springform Pan: This will help you easily release the cheesecake once it’s set without damaging the sides.

No Bake Cheesecake Frequently Asked Questions

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Meet Saloni

I’m a former pastry chef with a love for breads, cakes and everything in between! My recipes are easy to follow, egg free and are designed to be shared with others!

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No Bake Apple Crumble Cheesecake 

This no-bake apple crumble cheesecake combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the crunch of a biscuit base and the warmth of caramelized apples. It’s topped with a buttery crumble for an added layer of texture and flavor. Perfect for fall or any time of year, this cheesecake is sure to impress! Made eggless and dairy-free with no baking required! This recipe has gone viral on my Instagram and Facebook page so many times. It must be that good!
Author: Saloni Mehta
Rate
Yield: 10 servings
Prep: 1 hour
Total: 8 hours

Equipment

Ingredients

Crumble Topping Ingredients

  • 35 g Butter* melted
  • 80 g All Purpose Flour
  • 55 g Cane Sugar*
  • tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon Powder

Caramelized Apple Topping Ingredients

  • 190 g Peeled & Chopped Apple 1/2 Red Gala & 1/2 Granny Smith
  • 65 g Cane Sugar*
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon Powder
  • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 tsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Biscuit Base Ingredients

  • 15-16 Graham Crackers or digestive biscuits crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1 tbsp Cane Sugar*
  • 50 g Butter* melted

No Bake Cinnamon Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • 225 g Cream Cheese* room temperature
  • 100 g Powdered Sugar
  • tsp Cinnamon Powder
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 240 ml Whipping Cream*
  • 30 g Powdered Sugar
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Instructions

Crumble Topping Instructions

  • Combine sugar, all-purpose flour, salt & cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Add melted butter. Mix until it is crumbly.
  • Chill in the fridge/freezer until ready to use.
  • You can store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • Spread the cold crumble on a tray lined with baking paper.
  • Bake at 375f or 190°C for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Caramelized Apple Topping Instructions

  • Peel & dice apples into 1/2-inch cubes.
  • In a saucepan combine chopped apple, sugar, cinnamon & vanilla.
  • Cook on medium heat until the apple is half cooked.
  • Add cornstarch mixed with water.
  • Let it come to a boil, remove from heat.
  • Transfer to a heat proof container. Place it in the fridge to cool completely.

Biscuit Base Instructions

  • Use an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan.
  • Use a food processor to crush the biscuits into fine crumbs, if you don't have a food processor, bash the biscuits gently with a rolling pin in a bowl or a Ziplock bag.
  • Mix sugar into the biscuit crumbs
  • Mix the melted butter into the biscuit crumbs and press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the springform pan. Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set

Cinnamon Cheesecake Filling Instructions

  • Use a stand mixer or a bowl and an electric hand whisk to whip whipping cream and 30g (1/4 cup) of powdered sugar until medium peaks form. Keep it cold in the fridge.
  • Use a food processor / stand mixer or an electric hand whisk to mix cream cheese, 100g ( ½ cup) powdered sugar until smooth without any lumps for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add vanilla extract, cinnamon powder & mix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Pour all the cheesecake mixture on top of the biscuit base and spread it in an even layer.
  • Refrigerate for at least 6-7 hours to set.
  • Gently release the sides of the springform pan with an offset spatula. Place the cheesecake on a plate.
  • Top with caramelized apples, baked crumble and caramel sauce.
  • Serve immediately, store any leftovers in the fridge and eat within 2-3 days

Notes

  • Cup vs Weighing Scale: the US customary cup measurement serves as a rough estimate, as it can have uncertainties, so for precise results, it's recommended to weigh your ingredients using a digital scale in grams. Baking often requires precision and accuracy.
  • Butter: dairy-free salted butter sticks or any salted butter of your choice
    Whipping cream: use dairy-free unsweetened whipping cream for best results or coconut cream from a can of chilled coconut milk(full fat)
  • Cream Cheese: dairy-free cream cheese or any plain full-fat cream cheese of your choice
  • Whipping Cream: use Dairy-free unsweetened whipping cream for vegan and dairy-free cheesecake or any full fat whipping cream of choice
  • Sugar: cane sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or castor sugar. Ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are processed with bone char) or use coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
  • Apples: use a mix of granny smith (green apple) and gala apple, cosmic crisp apple, pink lady apple or a similar variety of baking apples that are available in your country.
  • Biscuit Base: you can use Digestive biscuits/dairy-free Graham crackers/Gingernut biscuits/Biscoff cookies for the base.

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