Introduction

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of classic flavors—creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and rich salted caramel. This indulgent dessert brings together the best of fall in every bite, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (for caramel)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, then bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides of the pan to create a water bath. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
Step 5: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour. Afterward, refrigerate for at least four hours to allow it to fully set.
Step 6: While the cheesecake chills, cook diced apples, 2 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the apples are soft. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 7: To make the salted caramel sauce, melt 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns an amber color. Carefully add the cubed butter and whisk until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Stir in sea salt and remove from heat.
Step 8: Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the cooked apple mixture evenly on top. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tanginess in the filling.
For a crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple topping before drizzling caramel.
If you don’t have a springform pan, line a regular cake pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
To avoid cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath and allow it to cool gradually in the oven.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the apple topping and caramel sauce separate if possible, and add them just before serving for the best texture. Reheat caramel gently in warm water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the apple topping and caramel sauce right before serving for optimal freshness.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath and allowing it to cool slowly inside the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent cracking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake it.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 76 reviews

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake beautifully combines creamy cheesecake with the cozy flavors of apple pie and a rich salted caramel drizzle. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luxurious homemade salted caramel sauce, this dessert is perfect for fall celebrations or any special occasion.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Apple Pie Topping

3 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salted Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
Make crust base: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set.
Prepare cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
Bake cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust. Place the springform pan into a water bath to create moist heat and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Cool cheesecake: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually, preventing cracks. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Cook apple topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, then set aside to cool.
Make salted caramel sauce: Heat granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts completely and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add cubed butter and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Stir in sea salt and let the sauce cool slightly.
Assemble and serve: Once the cheesecake is chilled, top it with the cooked apple mixture and generously drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Use a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure even baking in the cheesecake.
Peeling and dicing the apples beforehand helps create a smooth topping texture.
If you want to save time, prepare the salted caramel sauce a day ahead and store it refrigerated.
Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually after baking to maintain a creamy texture.

Keywords: Salted Caramel Cheesecake,Apple Pie Cheesecake,Fall Dessert,Holiday Dessert,Homemade Cheesecake,Caramel Sauce,Apple Topping