Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines all the best flavors of fall? This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and rich salted caramel. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and has the comforting warmth of apple pie with the decadence of cheesecake. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a dessert to impress during the holiday season,then this cheesecake is sure to wow everyone!
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Flavor Fusion: Combines the classic flavors of apple pie and cheesecake for a rich, autumn-inspired treat.
- Gooey Salted Caramel: A drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce takes this dessert to the next level.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a buttery graham cracker crust come together in perfect harmony.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is a show-stopper that will leave your guests asking for seconds (or the recipe!).
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to help set the cheesecake)
the Apple Pie Topping:
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
How to Make a Caramel Apple Pie
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom in foil.
Make the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool.
Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, sour cream, and flour. Pour over crust and smooth.
Apple Topping:
Cook apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until tender. Spread over cheesecake filling.
Bake Cheesecake:
Place pan in a water bath and bake for 55-65 minutes after Cool in the oven, then refrigerate.
Salted Caramel Sauce:
Melt sugar until amber, add butter, cream, vanilla, and salt. Let cool.
Assemble:
Drizzle caramel over chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother, creamier filling.
- Water Bath: Using a water bath prevents cracks in the cheesecake and ensures an even bake.
- Homemade Salted Caramel: You can certainly use store-bought caramel, but making homemade salted caramel really enhances the flavor and gives it that gourmet touch.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz 3 packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Topping:
- 3 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden. Let it cool while preparing the filling.
Make the cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until fully incorporated.
Pour and bake the cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Prepare the apple pie topping:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized.
- Let the apples cool slightly before topping the cheesecake.
Make the salted caramel sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden amber color.
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter and heavy cream (it will bubble up).
- Stir in the sea salt and let the caramel cool for a few minutes.
Assemble the cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake has chilled, top it with the caramelized apple slices.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top.
Serve:
- Slice and serve your decadent Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake with extra caramel sauce drizzled on top, if desired.
Notes
Why This Cheesecake is a Fall Favorite
The combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and luscious salted caramel is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or anytime you’re craving a cozy, indulgent dessert. With its beautiful layers and rich flavors, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is bound to become a seasonal staple.