VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake will steal your heart. This delightful treat combines creamy cashew-tofu filling with cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy Biscoff crust, making it an irresistible choice for any gathering. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family celebration, this cheesecake is sure to bring smiles all around!

What makes this recipe so special is its comforting yet elegant flavor profile. It’s the perfect dessert to share with friends or simply indulge in after a long day. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy a slice (or two) without any guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, baking this cheesecake is a breeze!
• Family favorite: The combination of sweet apples and creamy filling appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead: You can prepare it in advance, leaving you free to enjoy your time with loved ones.
• Perfectly satisfying: The crunchy crumble on top adds texture that complements the smooth cheesecake beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is simple! You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store. Let’s dive into these wholesome components that come together to create this delicious dessert.

For the Crust

• 330 g vegan-friendly cookies (e.g. Biscoff cookies)
• 150 g vegan butter/margarine or coconut oil (melted)

For the Apple Filling

• 3 large apples (peeled and diced)
• 50 g brown sugar (¼ cup)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tsp cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping

• 68 g all-purpose flour (½ cup + 1 tbsp)
• 50 g brown sugar (¼ cup)
• 70 g vegan butter or coconut oil
• 40 g oats (6½ tbsp)
• ½ cup chopped nuts
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 260 g cashews (unsalted and preferably raw)
• 250 g firm silken tofu
• ½ cup maple syrup or sugar
• ¾ cup vegan yogurt (or more silken tofu, blended)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is its flexibility! Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your own twist to make it uniquely yours.

• Change the fruit: Substitute apples with pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
• Add spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth in the filling.
• Make it chocolatey: Incorporate cocoa powder into the crust for a delightful chocolatey version.
• Nut-free option: Use seeds like sunflower seeds instead of nuts if you’re avoiding them.

How to Make VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

To start off, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Crush the vegan cookies into fine crumbs and mix them with melted vegan butter until well combined. This mixture forms the base of your cheesecake, providing that crunchy texture. Press it firmly into a springform pan and bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden. This step ensures your crust holds together perfectly when filled!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch over medium heat. Cook until the apples are tender but not mushy—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances their sweetness and brings out those warming flavors that pair perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

While your apples cool, blend together cashews, silken tofu, maple syrup, vegan yogurt, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. This creamy mixture creates that rich cheesecake texture we all love! Pour it into your prepared crust after it’s cooled slightly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling. Then combine flour, brown sugar, oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon powder, and melted vegan butter in a bowl for your crumble topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your apple layer. Bake everything at 180°C (350°F) for about 65-75 minutes until it sets beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours—overnight is best! This allows all those flavors to meld together wonderfully. When ready to serve, slice into generous pieces and enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

Creating the perfect Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh apples – Fresh, crisp apples not only enhance the flavor but also provide a delightful texture that holds up beautifully in the cheesecake.
• Soak cashews – Soaking your cashews for at least 4 hours (or overnight) will make them easier to blend, resulting in a creamier filling that mimics traditional cheesecake textures.
• Chill properly – Allowing the cheesecake to chill in the fridge for several hours (or overnight) after baking helps it set and develop a richer flavor, making each slice even more enjoyable.
• Customize toppings – Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding crushed nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving can elevate the dessert and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Make ahead of time – This cheesecake keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Preparing it a day ahead gives the flavors time to meld, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions!

How to Serve VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

Presenting your Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake beautifully can make all the difference. Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dessert that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts or pecans – A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds crunch and complements the apple filling while enhancing visual appeal.
• Coconut whipped cream – A dollop of coconut whipped cream on top creates a luscious contrast and adds richness without dairy.
• Cinnamon dusting – A light dusting of cinnamon on top can add an elegant touch and hint at the warm spices within.

Side Dishes

• Vegan vanilla ice cream – Pairing your cheesecake with a scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light and bright complement to the rich cheesecake.
• Chia seed pudding – This nutritious option brings a lovely texture and nutty flavor, balancing out the sweetness of the dessert.
• Herbal tea or coffee – Serving your cheesecake alongside a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee enriches the overall experience, making it perfect for any gathering.

Enjoy every bite of your Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake, knowing that you’ve created something truly special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without all the fuss on the day you serve it. Here are some practical tips for storing and preserving your cheesecake:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days.
• Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• For best results, serve chilled or at room temperature; however, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave on a low setting (10-15 seconds) if desired.
• Avoid overheating as it may change the texture of the filling.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake that may help clarify your baking experience:

Can I make this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure that your cookies are also gluten-free.

How do I achieve the best texture for my Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

The key is to soak your cashews beforehand and blend them until smooth. Using firm silken tofu adds creaminess without compromising flavor.

What can I use instead of tofu in this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using blended silken tofu or additional vegan yogurt to maintain that creamy consistency.

How long does it take to prepare this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

The total time is about 8 hours, including cooling and setting. Most of this time is passive, so you can enjoy other activities while it sets!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll find joy in making this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake as much as I do! It’s such a delightful treat that combines comforting flavors with a silky texture. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and share it with those you love!