Hey there, friends! Allow me to introduce you to a really special treat: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. If there’s ever been a dessert recipe that captures the essence of fall, this is it. Imagine the perfect harmony of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and that heavenly drizzle of salted caramel.
The first time I made this, I was just trying to impress my family over Thanksgiving dinner. Little did I know, it would turn into a requested tradition! So, let’s dive in and see why this dessert might just become a family favorite in your home too. If you’re looking for another apple-centric delight, you might want to try the Classic Apple Crisp recipe here.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is where cheesecake dreams meet apple pie goodness. The combination of textures and flavors really makes every bite an experience. Plus, who doesn’t love the rich, slightly nutty taste of a homemade salted caramel sauce?
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll appreciate the straightforward technique. It has the coziness of apple pie and the decadence of cheesecake with the added sparkle of salted caramel. It’s like a hug on a plate!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool down a bit.
Arrange the apple layer
- Place sliced apples in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and all-purpose flour to the apples. Toss them until the apples are well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Create the cheesecake filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition.
- Blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Pour this creamy mixture over the apple layer in the pan.
Bake
- Bake the cheesecake for about 60-70 minutes. It should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool on the counter before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Prepare the salted caramel sauce
- In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until melted and it turns amber-colored.
- Stir in butter until it’s fully combined.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while constantly stirring.
- Remove from heat, then stir in sea salt.
Before serving, drizzle your delicious salted caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.
Recipe tips & variations
Here’s a little nugget from my baking adventures: If your apples are really juicy, try using just a tad more flour in the mixture to avoid soggy layers. Also, feel free to switch it up with a gingerbread cookie base instead of graham crackers for an extra festive touch.
For a more pronounced salted caramel flavor, you can sprinkle a bit more sea salt on the sauce just before serving. If you’re into nuts, some toasted pecans as a garnish could add a lovely crunch!
Storage & reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. You can thaw these pieces in the fridge overnight.
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Just enough to enjoy that melty caramel texture again!
FAQs
Certainly! Although homemade is always delicious, store-bought caramel will work fine if you’re pressed for time.
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If cracks happen, don’t fret—it’ll still taste amazing, and that caramel covers up everything!
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two before serving. Make sure to keep it refrigerated.
I find Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and give a nice tart contrast to the sweet components. However, feel free to use your favorites!
Recipes you may like
Discover more inspired desserts:
- Add cherry pie filling to Valentine’s Day dessert ideas
- Bake heart-shaped cookies filled with cherry pie filling
- Combine red velvet and cherry flavors for festive treats
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert capturing the essence of fall with creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and salted caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool down a bit.
- Place sliced apples in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and all-purpose flour to the apples. Toss them until the apples are well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition.
- Blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Pour this creamy mixture over the apple layer in the pan.
- Bake the cheesecake for about 60-70 minutes. It should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool on the counter before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
- In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until melted and it turns amber-colored.
- Stir in butter until it’s fully combined.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while constantly stirring.
- Remove from heat, then stir in sea salt.
Notes
- If your apples are really juicy, try using just a tad more flour in the mixture to avoid soggy layers.
- For a more pronounced salted caramel flavor, you can sprinkle a bit more sea salt on the sauce just before serving.
- If you’re into nuts, some toasted pecans as a garnish could add a lovely crunch!
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 70 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg