
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the perfect fusion of three irresistible desserts—creamy cheesecake, spiced apple pie, and rich caramel sauce. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious vanilla cheesecake filling, and a warm cinnamon apple topping drizzled with salted caramel, every bite is a heavenly experience.
This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or whenever you crave a cozy treat. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures makes it unforgettable. Plus, it’s easier to make than you think!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Apple Pie Topping:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a water bath (wrap the bottom of the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is slightly set but still jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.
- Remove and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Apple Pie Topping
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
- Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and golden.
- Add butter and stir until fully combined.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring (it will bubble up).
- Stir in sea salt and remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Spread the apple topping over the chilled cheesecake.
- Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and whipped cream if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values based on ingredients used.)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cheesecake
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
✔ Don’t Overmix: Overbeating the batter can lead to cracks in the cheesecake.
✔ Chill for Best Results: Let the cheesecake set in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!).
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: The cheesecake and caramel sauce can be made a day in advance for easy assembly.
✔ Apple Variety Matters: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
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