Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Prepare to have your dessert expectations completely shattered! Imagine the creamy, decadent delight of a classic cheesecake, swirled with the warm, comforting flavors of apple crumble. Now, imagine it’s entirely plant-based. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This recipe delivers an unbelievably delicious and guilt-free treat that will impress even the most discerning palates.

While the exact origins of cheesecake are debated, its ancient roots can be traced back to Greece. Over centuries, variations emerged across different cultures, each adding its unique touch. Apple crumble, a beloved British dessert, offers a textural contrast and comforting spice that perfectly complements the richness of cheesecake. Combining these two iconic desserts into a Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a modern twist that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

People adore this dish for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy, smooth cheesecake filling melts in your mouth, while the sweet and slightly tart apples provide a delightful burst of fruity goodness. The crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch, creating a symphony of sensations that will leave you wanting more. Plus, being vegan, it’s a dessert you can feel good about enjoying, knowing it’s kind to animals and the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or simply looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your friends and family, this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (vegan)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 2 (14-ounce) packages silken tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 cup vegan cream cheese alternative, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
• Pinch of salt
• For the Apple Crumble Topping:
• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter, cold and cubed
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preparing the Crust

Okay, let’s start with the foundation of our delicious Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake – the crust! This is a super simple graham cracker crust that comes together in minutes.

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
3. Add melted butter: Pour the melted vegan butter into the dry ingredients. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles damp sand. You want all the crumbs to be moistened with the butter.
4. Press into the pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This will give you a nice, solid base for the cheesecake.
5. Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Cool the crust: Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This is important so the filling doesn’t melt the crust.

Making the Cheesecake Filling

Now for the star of the show – the creamy, dreamy vegan cheesecake filling! Don’t be intimidated by the silken tofu; it’s the secret to a smooth and decadent texture.

1. Prepare the tofu: This is a crucial step! Drain the silken tofu and press it to remove excess water. I usually wrap it in several layers of paper towels and place a heavy object (like a book or a can of beans) on top for about 30 minutes. This helps to create a firmer, less watery cheesecake.
2. Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the drained and pressed silken tofu, vegan cream cheese alternative, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt.
3. Blend until smooth: Blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed. The smoother the filling, the better the final result!
4. Taste and adjust: Give the filling a taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon juice to your liking. Remember that the apple crumble topping will add sweetness as well, so don’t overdo it.
5. Pour into the crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.

Preparing the Apple Crumble Topping

Time to add that irresistible apple crumble topping! This adds a delightful textural contrast and a burst of apple-cinnamon flavor to the cheesecake.

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite apple varieties.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. Add cold butter: Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the better the crumble texture will be.
4. Stir in nuts (optional): If using, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
5. Combine with apples: Add the diced apples to the crumble mixture and toss gently to coat them evenly.

Assembling and Baking the Cheesecake

Almost there! Now we’ll put everything together and bake our masterpiece.

1. Top with apple crumble: Sprinkle the apple crumble topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. Make sure to distribute it evenly so every bite has a bit of crumble.
2. Bake the cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The crumble topping should be golden brown and the apples should be tender.
3. Cool completely: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This helps to prevent cracking. Then, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
4. Chill in the refrigerator: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Storing

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving and enjoying our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake!

1. Remove from springform pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Run a thin knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it before releasing the sides of the pan.
2. Slice and serve: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve.
3. Garnish (optional): You can garnish the cheesecake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce, or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
4. Store leftovers: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for Success:

• Pressing the Tofu: Don’t skip pressing the silken tofu! This is essential for a firm and creamy cheesecake.
• Blending the Filling: Blend the cheesecake filling until it’s completely smooth to avoid any grainy texture.
• Cooling Process: The slow cooling process in the oven helps prevent cracks.
• Chilling Time: Allow ample chilling time in the refrigerator for the cheesecake to set properly.
• Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for the crumble topping to find your favorite flavor combination.

Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple crumble topping for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Nut-free: Omit the walnuts or pecans from the crumble topping for a nut-free version.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and all-purpose flour for a gluten-free cheesecake.
• Caramel Swirl: Swirl vegan caramel sauce into the cheesecake filling before adding the apple crumble topping for an extra decadent treat.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is truly a showstopper, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone, vegan or not. The creamy, tangy cashew-based cheesecake layer perfectly complements the sweet and spiced apple crumble topping. It’s a delightful dance of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, even the most discerning dessert critics will be impressed!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious! The combination of the rich cheesecake and the comforting apple crumble is simply irresistible. Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make. While it might look impressive, the steps are straightforward, and I’ve provided plenty of tips to ensure your success. Thirdly, it’s vegan! You can indulge in this decadent dessert without any guilt, knowing that it’s made with plant-based ingredients and is kind to the planet.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds an extra touch of sweetness and warmth.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Warm with Vegan Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cold ice cream melts slightly over the warm crumble, creating a heavenly combination.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy alternative to traditional whipped cream.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the apple flavor.
• Cinnamon Sprinkle: A simple yet effective way to add warmth and spice.
• Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with vegan caramel sauce.

Looking for variations? You could easily swap out the apples for other fruits like pears, berries, or even peaches. Experiment with different spices in the crumble topping, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and flour in the crumble. You can also adjust the sweetness level to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup or sugar. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I poured my heart into creating this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake, and I truly believe it’s a winner. It’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s a great way to show them that vegan desserts can be just as delicious and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Tag me on social media using #VeganAppleCrumbleCheesecake or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking!