Creamy, Cozy & Completely Dairy-Free Indulgence
π The Dessert That Feels Like Autumn in Every Bite
What if you could combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced comfort of apple crumble β completely dairy-free?
This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake brings together three irresistible layers:
- π§ A buttery biscuit crust
- π A silky plant-based cheesecake filling
- π A cinnamon-spiced apple crumble topping
Itβs indulgent yet refined. Cozy yet elegant. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want a stunning plant-based dessert that looks bakery-quality.
π Ingredients Youβll Need
π§ The Crust
- 2 cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- Β½ cup melted vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional)
β¨ Substitution: Use gluten-free cookies for a GF version.
π° The Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or quick-soaked)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut cream
- ΒΎ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for structure)
π‘ Nut-free option: Use vegan cream cheese instead of cashews.
π The Apple Layer
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ΒΌ teaspoon nutmeg
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
π The Crumble Topping
- ΒΎ cup rolled oats
- Β½ cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
- β cup brown sugar
- ΒΌ cup vegan butter (cold, cubed)
- Β½ teaspoon cinnamon
β± Timing Guide
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 25 minutes |
| Bake | 50β55 minutes |
| Chill | 4 hours (minimum) |
| Total Active Time | ~75 minutes |
β¨ Pro Insight: The chilling time allows flavors to deepen and texture to set perfectly.
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Mix crushed biscuits with melted vegan butter.
Press firmly into a lined springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
π‘ Tip: Press with the bottom of a glass for an even base.
Step 2: Make the Apple Layer
Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Let sit 10 minutes to release juices.
This step enhances sweetness and prevents browning.
Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Filling
Blend soaked cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch until silky smooth.
Blend for 2β3 minutes to eliminate graininess.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust.
Arrange apple slices evenly on top.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble
Mix oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
Cut in cold vegan butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle generously over apples.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake 50β55 minutes until center is slightly set but still soft.
Turn oven off and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour (prevents cracking).
Chill at least 4 hours before slicing.
πͺ Nutritional Snapshot (Per Slice)
- π° 380β420 calories
- π± 6β8g plant protein
- π₯₯ Healthy fats from cashews & coconut
- π Fiber from apples & oats
Compared to traditional cheesecake:
- 0 cholesterol
- Lower saturated fat
- Completely dairy-free
πΏ Healthier Adaptations
πΉ Lower Sugar
Reduce maple syrup by ΒΌ cup.
πΉ Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free flour and cookies.
πΉ Oil-Free
Replace vegan butter with coconut oil.
πΉ High-Protein Boost
Add 1 scoop plant-based protein powder to filling.
π½ Serving Ideas
Make it unforgettable:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with caramel sauce
- Serve with vegan vanilla ice cream
- Add extra cinnamon sprinkle
- Pair with warm chai latte
For holidays, garnish with thin apple slices and mint leaves.
β οΈ Common Mistakes to Avoid
β Not soaking cashews long enough
β Skipping chill time
β Overbaking (causes dryness)
β Not blending filling thoroughly
β Using soft apples (they turn mushy)
Patience creates perfection.
π§ Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
β¨ Bonus: Frozen slices taste like cheesecake ice cream.
π€ Final Thoughts
This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is creamy, spiced, and beautifully layered β the ultimate plant-based comfort dessert. It blends rich cheesecake texture with warm apple crumble nostalgia in every bite. Try it, share your thoughts in the comments, leave a review, and subscribe for more elegant vegan dessert recipes!
β¨ Because indulgence should feel cozy, beautiful, and completely plant-based. ππ°
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