Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe
Let me tell you about a dessert that has completely won me over—Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe. It’s that magical combination of creamy, dreamy cheesecake with bursting fresh blueberries and a perfectly golden, buttery crumble on top. Every bite feels like a little celebration in your mouth, and trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through making this fan-freaking-tastic cheesecake right in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The tangy cream cheese blends beautifully with fresh blueberries and the subtle citrus from lemon juice, creating a decadent yet fresh taste.
- Textural Delight: The crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling, juicy blueberries, and crunchy crumble topping make every bite interesting and satisfying.
- Precision Baking Method: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath ensures it stays moist without cracking or drying out—a tip I swear by after a few trial runs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake gets better after resting, making it ideal for prepping a day ahead of your gathering or treat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe plays a starring role, from the cookie crust holding everything together to the lemon juice that brightens the blueberry filling. I like to choose fresh, ripe blueberries and always weigh my ingredients for the best results. Precision really helps in cheesecake baking.

- Digestive or graham crackers: Provide a sturdy, slightly sweet base that’s perfect for a crust; crushing them finely helps the crust stick together well.
- Granulated sugar: Balances tanginess and adds essential sweetness.
- Butter: Melted to bind the crust and crumble, giving a rich flavor and buttery crunch.
- Fresh blueberries: Bursting with natural juices and flavor, they’re the star fruit here; if out of season, you can use frozen but be sure to thaw and drain.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the blueberry topping and forms the base of the crumble.
- Lemon juice: Adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Dark brown sugar: In the crumble, it gives depth and a hint of molasses richness that’s irresistible.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat is best for a creamy, smooth cheesecake without bitterness.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cheesecake light and adds a gentle tang, enhancing the texture.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a stabilizer, ensuring your cheesecake slices beautifully without weeping or sinking.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm aroma and rounds out the flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help create that classic dense, creamy cheesecake texture.
Make It Your Way
This Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe is super versatile, which is why I love making it. Sometimes I swap fresh blueberries for mixed berries in fall, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumble for a warming twist. You can easily adjust the topping or even switch crusts to fit your pantry and taste buds.
- Variation: Once, I added lemon zest to the cheesecake batter for a punchier zing – it was a hit! Feel free to add zest or a splash of liqueur to personalize the flavor.
- Dietary modification: For a gluten-free version, try gluten-free crackers for the crust and almond flour in the crumble—it still comes out deliciously crumbly.
- Seasonal change: During summer, fresh blueberries are perfect, but in winter, I use frozen fruit – just make sure to drain them well to avoid sogginess.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe
Step 1: Creating that Perfect Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment on the bottom—this makes life so much easier when it’s time to remove the cheesecake. In a food processor, blitz the digestive or graham crackers with sugar until they resemble fine sand. Pour in melted butter and pulse until combined. Press this mix firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of your pan. Here’s a tip: use the flat bottom of a glass to press down the crumbs—it helps pack them evenly for that sturdy crust you want. Bake it for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Mixing Blueberries and Preparing the Crumble
While the crust cools, toss fresh blueberries with sugar, flour, and lemon juice in a small bowl. The flour helps thicken the blueberry juices so they don’t turn your cheesecake runny. For the crumble topping, mix flour and dark brown sugar, then drizzle melted butter over and fork it together until crumbly with no dry bits—that buttery crumble is going to create that golden, crunchy finish you’ll love.
Step 3: Whipping Up the Cheesecake Filling
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese on low speed for about a minute till smooth. Add sugar and mix another minute, scraping down the bowl sides so it’s all incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream and cornstarch together until smooth. Add to the cream cheese along with vanilla extract and combine gently. Now, add the eggs two at a time—mixing enough to combine but not overdoing it, which can add air and cause cracks while baking. Scrape the bowl again for perfect mixing.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake with Care
Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust. Then give the blueberries a gentle scatter over the batter, followed by the crumble topping spread evenly. Here’s my go-to trick: set your springform pan inside a larger baking pan, then place that in another pan and fill the outer one with boiling water to create a gentle water bath. This keeps your cheesecake moist and crack-free. If you use foil, wrap the pan tightly to avoid water leaks. Bake for about 1 hour and 20-30 minutes. When done, a slight wobble in the middle is perfect. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for an hour—this slow cooling step is crucial to prevent cracks.
Step 5: Cool and Chill for Best Results
After the oven stage, transfer the cheesecake from the water bath to a wire rack and allow it to cool fully to room temperature—about an hour should do it. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. This resting time lets the cheesecake set up beautifully and flavors to meld, making slicing easier and your bites super smooth and luscious.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much air into the cheesecake can cause cracks—mix just until combined for a smooth finish.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cream cheese and sour cream blend best and give a silky texture when not cold straight from the fridge.
- Water Bath Magic: The bain-marie (water bath) method keeps heat even and moist, which is a game-changer for crack-free cheesecake.
- Cool Gradually: Letting the cheesecake cool slowly with the oven door slightly open avoids sudden temperature changes that can ruin the texture.
How to Serve Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe

Garnishes
I usually top slices with a few extra fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar—it looks so pretty and adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the flavors. Sometimes a small dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the crumble superbly, especially if serving at a party.
Side Dishes
Blueberry cheesecake is a dessert star, so I keep side dishes simple. A cup of good quality coffee or a floral herbal tea pairs wonderfully. If you’re serving a full meal, I like to pair this dessert with light salads or grilled chicken to keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve served this cheesecake with edible flowers scattered on top of the crumble for a gorgeous finish that impresses guests. You might also try layering smaller amounts into parfait glasses for individual servings—adding extra crumble and blueberry layers for drama.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re well-covered to avoid picking up any fridge odors.
Freezing
Freezing cheesecake slices works like a charm with this recipe. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you want to enjoy one, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served cold, but if you like it slightly less chilled, take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. I avoid reheating in the oven or microwave since it can change the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work just fine, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture that could affect the cheesecake texture.
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Why bake the cheesecake in a water bath?
The water bath creates gentle, even heat around the cheesecake which prevents cracks and dryness. It helps keep the filling creamy and smooth by minimizing sudden temperature changes during baking.
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My cheesecake cracked—how can I avoid this?
Common causes include overmixing air into the batter, baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. To avoid cracks, mix gently, use a water bath, and let your cheesecake cool gradually with the oven door slightly open.
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Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crumble topping a day before and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to save time on baking day. Just sprinkle it over the cheesecake before baking.
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How long should I chill the cheesecake?
At least 6 hours is good for setting, but overnight chilling is ideal for the best texture and flavor balance. This also makes slicing neat and clean.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe is one of those treats that feel special but is surprisingly approachable to make. No matter if you’re serving it for a weeknight dessert or a fancy celebration, it’s bound to impress. I remember the first time I nailed this recipe—no cracks, perfectly creamy, and those blueberries singing in every bite—and it genuinely made me proud. I hope you enjoy baking and eating it as much as I do. Grab your ingredients, and give it a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
Blueberry Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake features a buttery cookie crust, a creamy full-fat cream cheese filling, topped with fresh blueberries and a sweet crumble. Baked in a water bath for extra moisture and tender texture, it’s the perfect balance of richness and fruity freshness for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 250 g digestive or graham crackers
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 75 g butter
Blueberries
- 300 g fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
Crumble
- 110 g all-purpose flour
- 80 g dark brown sugar
- 70 g butter
Cheesecake
- 800 g full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 260 g granulated sugar
- 200 g sour cream 18%, room temperature
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 160ºC (325ºF) conventional oven. Line the bottom of a 23 cm (9 inch) springform pan with parchment paper.
- Make Cookie Crust: In a food processor, blend the crackers and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until a fine sandy texture is achieved. Melt the 75 g butter and add to the processor. Blend until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the springform pan using the bottom of a glass to create an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool until cool to touch. Keep the oven on.
- Prepare Blueberries: In a bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Mix until no dry flour remains. Set aside.
- Prepare Crumble: In another bowl, mix 110 g flour and 80 g dark brown sugar. Melt 70 g butter and pour over the flour mixture. Use a fork to combine until crumbly with no dry flour left. Set aside.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add 260 g granulated sugar and beat for another minute on low. Scrape down bowl and mix for 30 more seconds.
- Add Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together 200 g sour cream and 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch until smooth. Add it along with 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs two at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until combined. Scrape the bowl sides and mix one final time to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Evenly distribute the blueberry mixture over the cheesecake batter. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blueberries.
- Prepare Water Bath and Bake: Boil water in a kettle. Place the springform pan inside a 30 cm (12 inch) cake pan, then place that cake pan inside another baking or roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan carefully until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath. Alternatively, wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with triple layers of aluminum foil before placing in the water bath to prevent leakage. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes at 160ºC (325ºF).
- Cool in Oven: After baking, gently shake the pan to check that the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight before serving.
Notes
- Weigh ingredients for precise baking as cup measurements can vary.
- Ensure the crust is well packed to avoid crumbling when serving.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream for a smoother batter.
- Be careful to seal the springform pan properly when using the water bath to prevent water from leaking into the cheesecake.
- Cooling gradually in the oven prevents cracks on the cheesecake surface.
- For best texture and flavor, refrigerate overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg


