Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Elevate your dessert game with this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake that blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie. Loaded with spiced apples, a buttery crust, and drizzled with decadent salted caramel, this sweet treat will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.
This cheesecake is the perfect blend of flavors, combining the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of caramel and the tartness of apples.
The Perfect Fall Dessert
As the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, nothing signifies the arrival of fall quite like the aroma of freshly baked apple pie. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake seamlessly combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the luxurious texture of a cheesecake. Imagine a slice of creamy cheesecake, topped with tender spiced apples and enveloped in a buttery crust—it's truly the best of both worlds. This dessert is not just seasonal; it's an experience your guests will cherish.
The blend of warm spices and the sweetness of ripe apples brings a sense of nostalgia while the creamy topping offers a modern twist. This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, family celebrations, or even a cozy evening in. Pair it with a cup of hot cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will rave about.
A Crowd-Pleaser
One of the best aspects of this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is its ability to please a crowd. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, a birthday party, or a holiday feast, this dessert impresses both in presentation and taste. The layers of cheesecake and apple filling create stunning visual appeal, making it an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table.
Moreover, the addition of salted caramel elevates the flavors, providing a savory balance that enhances the sweetness of the apples and cream cheese. Expect guests to come back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Additionally, the cheesecake can be made a day in advance; simply drizzle the caramel just before serving for added freshness.
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect cheesecake texture, ensure that the cream cheese is room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps, which can compromise the smoothness of your filling. Take the time to beat the cream cheese thoroughly until it's completely smooth before adding the other ingredients. This step will pay off in the final product.
When preparing the apple filling, opt for a mix of apple varieties for a fuller flavor profile. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide both tartness and sweetness. Additionally, slice the apples evenly for consistent cooking. This ensures that every bite has the right balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Apple Filling
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Mix all ingredients well before using.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make 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 and sour cream.
Prepare the Apple Filling
In another bowl, mix sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Layer and Bake
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust, add the apple filling, then top with the remaining cheesecake filling. Bake for 60 minutes.
Prepare the Salted Caramel
In a saucepan, melt sugar until golden brown. Stir in butter and cream, and add sea salt. Let cool.
Serve
Let the cheesecake cool, drizzle with salted caramel, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Enjoy your delicious cheesecake!
Storing Your Cheesecake
After you’ve successfully made your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, you might wonder how to store it. To keep it fresh, always refrigerate any leftover portions. Methodically cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container to prevent any absorption of odors from your fridge. It should last for up to five days, but we doubt it will stick around that long!
If you prefer to make it ahead of time, the cheesecake can be prepared and left unadorned in the fridge for up to two days. Just drizzle it with freshly made salted caramel right before serving to ensure it looks and tastes its best.
Serving Suggestions
When it's time to serve your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, consider pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla bean is a classic choice that complements the flavors beautifully, but don't shy away from experimenting with cinnamon or caramel ice creams, which can take the dessert experience to the next level.
For added flair, sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on top to give a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the cheesecake. Additionally, a drizzle of extra salted caramel over each slice just before serving can make the visuals even more tempting!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, store-bought caramel works well but homemade adds a special touch.
→ How long does this cheesecake last?
It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Elevate your dessert game with this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake that blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie. Loaded with spiced apples, a buttery crust, and drizzled with decadent salted caramel, this sweet treat will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Apple Filling
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
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 and sour cream.
In another bowl, mix sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust, add the apple filling, then top with the remaining cheesecake filling. Bake for 60 minutes.
In a saucepan, melt sugar until golden brown. Stir in butter and cream, and add sea salt. Let cool.
Let the cheesecake cool, drizzle with salted caramel, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 79mg