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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

4.7 from 96 reviews

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the comforting flavors of apple pie and a luscious salted caramel topping. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a decadent treat with a twist, this recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced cooked apples, and a smooth homemade caramel drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes to set.
  2. Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and eggs, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream to create a silky batter.
  3. Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Place the pan into a water bath to ensure gentle, even baking and bake for 55-65 minutes until the cheesecake is slightly jiggly in the center.
  4. Cool Cheesecake: After baking, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool slowly. Then refrigerate it for at least four hours to set completely.
  5. Cook Apples: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully whisk in 6 tablespoons of cubed butter until melted and combined, then slowly add 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking to smooth the sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt and remove from heat.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Once the cheesecake is chilled, top it evenly with the cooked apple mixture. Drizzle generously with the homemade salted caramel sauce. Slice and serve for a perfectly balanced dessert.

Notes

  • Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracks and ensure even cooking in the cheesecake.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your batter.
  • Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before drizzling to avoid melting the topping.
  • If you prefer, you can substitute Granny Smith apples for a more tart flavor.
  • Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Apple Pie Cheesecake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Autumn Dessert, Holiday Dessert