Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie

Symphony of Flavors: Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie Extravaganza

Prepare to be swept away on a journey of delectable indulgence with our Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie—an exquisite fusion of velvety cheesecake, luscious apple crumble, and flaky pie crust. This dessert masterpiece is a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that will elevate your baking prowess. In this extensive guide, we will explore the art of combining these classic desserts, delve into the carefully curated ingredients, provide step-by-step instructions, share invaluable cook notes, present enticing variations, and offer keto and low-carb adaptations. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the best of cheesecakes, apple crumbles, and pies in one sensational treat.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Crumble:

  • 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

  • In a food processor, combine flour, cold butter, sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out and Line the Pan:

  • Roll out the chilled pie crust on a floured surface and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Press the crust into the pan and trim the edges. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

3. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

  • In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared pie crust.

5. Prepare the Apple Crumble:

  • In a separate bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Arrange the apple slices over the cheesecake layer.

6. Create the Streusel Topping:

  • In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer.

7. Bake to Perfection:

  • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set, and the top is golden brown. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

8. Cool and Serve:

  • Allow the Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Cook Notes

Perfecting the Pie Crust:

  • Keep ingredients cold for a flaky crust, and don’t overwork the dough to maintain its tenderness.

Softening Cream Cheese:

  • Ensure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Apple Selection:

  • Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for a balanced flavor.

Streusel Texture:

  • Aim for a crumbly texture in the streusel topping by using melted butter and not overmixing.

Variations

1. Caramel Apple Drizzle:

  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.

2. Pecan Praline Twist:

  • Add chopped pecans to the streusel topping for a delightful nutty crunch.

3. Maple Glazed Elegance:

  • Brush the top of the pie with a maple glaze made from maple syrup and a touch of powdered sugar.

4. Chai-Spiced Infusion:

  • Mix chai spices like cardamom, cloves, and ginger into the streusel for a warm and aromatic twist.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie:

Pie Crust Modification:

  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour substitute for the crust.

Cheesecake Filling Adjustments:

  • Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar in the filling.

Apple Replacement:

  • Substitute sliced zucchini or chayote squash for a low-carb alternative to apples.

Streusel Topping Swap:

  • Use a mixture of almond flour, chopped nuts, and a keto-friendly sweetener for the streusel topping.

Low-Carb Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie:

Almond Flour Crust Option:

  • Choose almond flour for the pie crust to reduce the carb content.

Sugar Substitute:

  • Opt for a low-carb sweetener in the cheesecake filling and streusel topping.

Lower-Carb Fruit Alternatives:

  • Explore lower-carb fruit options like berries or rhubarb instead of apples.

Whipped Cream Topping:

  • Make a low-carb whipped cream using heavy cream and a low-carb sweetener.

As we conclude our journey through the layers of decadence in the Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie, picture yourself delighting in a slice of this heavenly creation—a perfect union of cheesecake, apple crumble, and pie crust. This dessert not only satisfies sweet cravings but also showcases the artistry of combining diverse flavors and textures.

Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with tempting variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb lifestyles, the Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie is a versatile treat for any occasion. Share it with loved ones, savor it as a holiday centerpiece, or treat yourself to a moment of pure indulgence.

So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of spiced apples and creamy cheesecake envelop your kitchen. Here’s to the joy of baking, the pleasure of savoring, and the enduring charm of a dessert that brings together the best of three worlds—a pie that is truly a masterpiece!