Why Make This Recipe
If you love the flavors of fall, you’ll adore this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. It combines the beloved tastes of apple pie with a creamy cheesecake and a drizzle of salted caramel. This unique dessert is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. It’s a showstopper that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Creating this delicious cheesecake may seem like a challenge, but it can be broken down into simple steps. You can even prepare some elements ahead of time to make the process smoother. Follow the instructions carefully, and soon you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (588 grams sliced)
- 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
- 1-2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
- 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice (to taste)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
- 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams. See note)
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)
- 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (use the full-fat, block style)
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (48 grams)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp, or 57 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Directions
Prep: Read through the recipe before you begin. You can break this recipe into several days to make it easier.
Make the Apple Filling: Peel and slice the apples between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-14 minutes, stirring until the apples are tender. If the liquid dries up, add a splash of cider or water. If needed, thicken the filling with a mixture of cornstarch and water. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool.
Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Mix crust ingredients and press into the prepared pan, including the sides. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
Make the Cheesecake: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and mix well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add vanilla, cornstarch, sour cream, and spices, mixing until just combined. Pour half the batter into the crust, spoon the apple filling over it, then pour the remaining batter on top.
Prep Water Bath: Place the springform pan on a rack in the center of the oven. Prepare a roasting pan below the rack filled with boiling water. This bath will help cook the cheesecake evenly.
Bake: Bake for 1 hour and 30 to 1 hour and 50 minutes. The edges should be slightly raised, and the center should have a slight wobble. Use a knife to check for doneness; it should come out with a little thick batter. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Cool & Chill: After an hour, take the cheesecake out and let it cool at room temperature. Then cover it with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to a day before serving.
Make Crumble Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool.
Make Salted Caramel Sauce: Follow your favorite salted caramel sauce recipe and let it cool.
Make Apple Pie Topping: Repeat the steps for the apple filling to create the topping.
Serve: Top the cooled cheesecake with the apple topping, sprinkle with crumble, and drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing and enjoying!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
This cheesecake is a fantastic dessert served chilled. Cut it into slices and serve with extra caramel sauce on the side for those who want a sweeter bite. A dollop of whipped cream can also elevate this dessert further.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Handle the crust gently to prevent breaking when you remove it from the springform pan.
- If you want to skip making the caramel from scratch, you can buy a good quality store-bought version.
Variation
You can experiment by adding different spices or using other fruits such as pears instead of apples. You can also try adding nuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, you can easily use store-bought caramel sauce to save time.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The edges will be raised, and the center will have a slight wobble. A knife inserted should come out with a little thick batter.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare many elements a day in advance, making it perfect for special occasions. Just be sure to refrigerate until ready to serve.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients
Method
- Read through the recipe before you begin. You can break this recipe into several days to make it easier.
- Peel and slice the apples between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
- Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook for 8-14 minutes, stirring until the apples are tender. If the liquid dries up, add a splash of cider or water.
- If needed, thicken the filling with a mixture of cornstarch and water.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix crust ingredients and press into the prepared pan, including the sides.
- Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until creamy.
- Add sugar and mix well.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Add vanilla, cornstarch, sour cream, and spices, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the crust, spoon the apple filling over it, then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Place the springform pan on a rack in the center of the oven.
- Prepare a roasting pan below the rack filled with boiling water. This bath will help cook the cheesecake evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 to 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- The edges should be slightly raised, and the center should have a slight wobble.
- Use a knife to check for doneness; it should come out with a little thick batter.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- After an hour, take the cheesecake out and let it cool at room temperature.
- Then cover it with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to a day before serving.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Spread mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool.
- Follow your favorite salted caramel sauce recipe and let it cool.
- Repeat the steps for the apple filling to create the topping.
- Top the cooled cheesecake with the apple topping, sprinkle with crumble, and drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]