Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh blueberries, and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping with this Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake. Itβs the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. The cheesecake itself is rich and smooth, balanced perfectly by the sweet and slightly tangy blueberry filling, while the crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch. Whether youβre a novice baker or an experienced pastry chef, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. π
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 Β½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed Oreos)
- ΒΌ cup granulated sugar
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen blueberries, thawed)
- Β½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- Β½ cup sour cream (for added richness and tang)
For the Crumble Topping:
- Β½ cup all-purpose flour
- Β½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ΒΌ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ΒΌ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (163Β°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Stir in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure to press it down firmly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. This step sets the crust and helps it stay firm during the cheesecake assembly.
2. Make the Blueberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries release their juices and the mixture thickens. This should take about 5β7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is light, smooth, and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
- Spoon half of the blueberry filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Repeat with the remaining cheesecake filling and blueberry filling, creating a marbled effect by swirling the blueberry filling through the cheesecake with a knife.
- Set the cheesecake aside while you prepare the crumble topping.
5. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, and brown sugar.
- Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cheesecake.
6. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- Bake for 50β60 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is set and the top is golden brown.
- Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This cooling step helps prevent cracks from forming.
- After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
7. Serve:
- Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it, then remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Berry Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different berries! You can substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile. π
- Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, use vegan cream cheese and non-dairy butter. You can also replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture or an egg substitute.
- Nuts in the Crumble: For added crunch and flavor, try incorporating chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping. π°
- Make-Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg