Creamy apple cheesecake with a walnut crumble topping and a buttery base

This Apple Cheesecake with Walnut Crumble is a delicious fusion of flavors and textures. A soft, buttery base is topped with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with spiced apple slices, and finished with a crunchy walnut crumble. The cheesecake is made with fromage blanc (or low-fat cottage cheese) and lemon zest for a refreshing tartness, while the apple layer adds a sweet and fruity contrast. The walnut crumble provides a satisfying crunch that complements the sweetness of the cheesecake. Baked to perfection, this cake is best after being refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why you'll love this:You’ll love this cheesecake for its perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers. The creamy cheesecake filling is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the apples and the nutty richness of the walnut crumble. Each bite offers a delicious contrast of textures, from the soft, creamy filling to the crunchy crumble on top. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for yourself.

Perfect opportunity:This Apple Cheesecake with Walnut Crumble is perfect for festive gatherings, holiday dinners, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert. Its combination of flavors makes it a wonderful choice for fall and winter, but it’s equally delicious year-round. Serve it as a show-stopping dessert after a hearty meal, or enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea.

Decorating Tips:For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled cheesecake with icing sugar just before serving. You can also add a few apple slices or chopped nuts on top for an extra decorative touch. Serving the cake on a cake stand or decorative platter will make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. If you want to add a little color, consider garnishing with a few mint leaves or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Apple layer:

• 370 ml clear apple juice
• 1 packet vanilla pudding powder (38 g)
• 60 g sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
• 3 apples (about 500 g), peeled, cored and thinly sliced

For the nut crumble:

• 150 g flour
• 50 g ground walnuts
• 90 g cold butter
• 60 g sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

For the base:

• 65 g butter
• 30 g sugar
• 1 egg (size M)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 130 g flour

For the cheesecake filling:

• 500 g of fromage blanc or low-fat fromage blanc
• 150 ml of liquid cream
• 100 g sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• Juice (about 20 ml) and zest of 1/2 lemon
• 3 eggs (size M)
• 1 packet vanilla pudding powder (38 g)

1. Prepare the apple layer: In a saucepan, combine clear apple juice, vanilla pudding powder, sugar and vanilla sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens into a pudding. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Peel, core and thinly slice apples, then gently fold into pudding mixture. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Make the walnut crumble: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground walnuts, cold butter, sugar and vanilla sugar. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the ingredients together until they are crumbly and sandy. Transfer the crumble mixture to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the cake.
3. Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Butter a 26cm springform pan and line the base with baking paper. In a bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, egg, baking powder, vanilla sugar and flour until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, covering the base and coming up the sides slightly. Place the pan in the fridge to chill for 20 minutes.
4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, mix together the fromage blanc (or quark), liquid cream, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon juice and zest. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla pudding powder until the filling is smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Carefully pour the cooled apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the walnut crumble over the top of the apples, covering them completely.
6. Bake the cheesecake: Place the cheesecake on the second rack from the bottom in the preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, cover the top of the cheesecake with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent the crumble from browning too much. The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
7. Let cool and serve:Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set. Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, dust with icing sugar, and cut into pieces.

Appreciate: Indulge in this rich and flavorful Apple Cheesecake with Walnut Crumble, a delicious combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples and crunchy walnut topping, perfect for any occasion!