VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

If you’re looking for a dessert that hugs your taste buds and warms your heart, look no further! Our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of cashew-tofu filling with perfectly spiced apples and a crunchy biscoff crust. This recipe is not only delicious but also suitable for various occasions—from family gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners. You’ll find it hard to resist a slice (or two)!

What makes this cheesecake special is its ability to cater to everyone’s taste, even those who typically shy away from vegan desserts. The blend of flavors and textures creates an indulgent yet wholesome experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Creamy: The cashew-tofu filling provides a rich, creamy texture that makes every bite heavenly.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this dessert ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this sweet treat, making it perfect for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this cheesecake in advance, freeing up your time on special occasions.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with wholesome, vegan-friendly ingredients, you can indulge without guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake, we’re using simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is flexible and can be tailored to suit your preferences! Here are some fun ideas:

• Change the Fruit: Swap out apples for pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
• Add Some Spice: Boost the spice level by adding nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute nuts in the crumble topping with seeds like pumpkin seeds for a nut-free treat.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free cookies and flour to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, combine your crushed vegan cookies with melted vegan butter until well mixed. This base will give your cheesecake its buttery crunchiness. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake it for about 10 minutes until slightly golden. This step ensures that your crust holds together beautifully when you add your creamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your crust cools, let’s work on the apple filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and cornstarch. Cook them until they are tender and caramelized—this brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to our cheesecake.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon powder, and melted butter or coconut oil until crumbly. This topping will create a delightful texture contrast against the smooth cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Blend the Cheesecake Filling

Now it’s time for our creamy filling! In a blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, silken tofu, maple syrup or sugar, vegan yogurt, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until completely smooth. This step is crucial as it gives our cheesecake its luscious creaminess!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake filling over your baked crust first. Then layer on the warm apple filling before adding the remaining cheesecake filling on top. Finally, sprinkle generously with crumble topping. This layering not only looks beautiful but also ensures every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 6: Bake It All Together

Bake your assembled Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for at least four hours—or overnight if you can wait! Chilling helps all those flavors meld together beautifully.

And there you have it—a deliciously creamy Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake that’s perfect for sharing! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

Creating the perfect Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love! Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

• Use high-quality cashews: Soaking raw, unsalted cashews overnight will help achieve that creamy texture in your cheesecake filling. This step is crucial for blending them smoothly, making your cheesecake rich and delicious.

• Chill well before serving: Allowing your cheesecake to cool completely in the refrigerator for several hours (or overnight) not only sets the texture but also enhances the flavors. A well-chilled cheesecake is easier to slice and serves as a refreshing dessert.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples, feel free to add nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for an extra flavor boost. These spices can deepen the taste profile of your dessert and give it a cozy warmth.

• Opt for seasonal apples: Choosing apples based on the season can greatly impact the flavor of your filling. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

• Customize the crust: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a mix of different cookies for your crust. Alternative vegan cookies can add unique flavors and textures, making your cheesecake even more special!

How to Serve VEGAN APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE

Presenting your Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake beautifully can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this scrumptious dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Garnishes

• Dairy-free whipped cream: A dollop of coconut whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the rich cheesecake. It’s an easy way to make each slice even more indulgent.
• Toasted nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts on top for an added crunch. The nutty flavor complements the apples and provides a delightful texture.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten up your presentation and lend a refreshing aroma that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Side Dishes

• Vegan vanilla ice cream: Pairing a slice of cheesecake with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream creates a delightful combination that’s both creamy and comforting.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the cheesecake. Citrus fruits, berries, or melons work wonderfully!
• Chai-spiced tea: Serve this dessert with a warm cup of chai tea to enhance those cozy flavors. The aromatic spices in chai complement the cinnamon-spiced apples beautifully.
• Nuts and dried fruit platter: A small platter featuring mixed nuts and dried fruits adds an elegant touch while offering additional textures and tastes that can be enjoyed alongside each slice.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake; it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor its deliciousness over several days. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cheesecake into individual pieces before freezing for convenience.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• For best results, allow slices to come to room temperature before serving.
• Alternatively, gently warm slices in the microwave on low power for about 15-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about our Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake:

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

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

How can I enhance the flavor of my Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake?

To boost the flavor, consider adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger, or incorporate some chopped dried fruits into the apple filling.

What if I don’t have cashews?

If you’re unable to use cashews, try using soaked sunflower seeds or blended silken tofu as an alternative base for your cheesecake filling.

Can I prepare this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake without tofu?

Absolutely! You can replace tofu with additional blended vegan yogurt or even silken tofu for a smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy baking!