Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining creamy cheesecake, spiced apple topping, and rich salted caramel sauce. This impressive treat blends the flavors of a classic apple pie with the smooth texture of cheesecake, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and then eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust. Place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water (water bath). Bake for 55-65 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Step 5: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Step 6: While the cheesecake cools, prepare the apple topping. Cook the diced apples with 2 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Step 7: To make the salted caramel sauce, melt 1 cup granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add cubed butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
8. Step 8: Once the cheesecake is chilled, top it evenly with the cooked apple mixture. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top along with the apples.
• To prevent the crust from sogginess, bake the crust first as directed and let it cool fully before adding the filling.
• If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular pie dish can work but may alter the texture slightly.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the caramel sauce separate if possible and drizzle just before serving for the best texture. Reheat caramel gently if needed but avoid heating the cheesecake itself.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use premade caramel sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, premade caramel sauce works fine. Just choose a salted variety or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Using a water bath during baking helps maintain moisture and bake the cheesecake evenly, reducing cracks. Also, avoid overbaking; the center should still jiggle slightly when done.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy cheesecake with the warm flavors of spiced apples and a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, baked to perfection, and topped with a smooth cheesecake filling. Finished with tender cinnamon nutmeg apples and drizzled with salted caramel, this dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes to set.
3. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and eggs, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Assemble and Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Place the springform pan into a larger pan filled halfway with hot water to create a water bath. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
5. Cool Cheesecake: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for one hour to cool slowly. Then refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
6. Cook Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Make Salted Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add cubed butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
8. Assemble Final Dessert: Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over the top. Drizzle generously with the salted caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

• Use a water bath to prevent cracks in the cheesecake and ensure even baking.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for a smoother texture.
• Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
• The caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
• Make sure all ingredients, especially cream cheese, are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie, cheesecake, dessert, fall recipe, caramel sauce, spiced apples, graham cracker crust