Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining creamy cheesecake with spiced apples and rich salted caramel sauce. This layered treat delivers the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with a luscious cheesecake texture and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for all seasons, it makes a stunning dessert for gatherings or a cozy indulgence any time of year.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust is used)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Apple Filling
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of ground clove
Cheesecake Batter
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Optional garnishes: toasted pecans, flaky sea salt, thin apple slices, ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers finely and combine with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even, buttery base that will support the cheesecake layers.
- Cook the Spiced Apples: In a skillet, sauté peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of clove until the apples are tender but retain some firmness. This infuses the apples with warm autumn spices and classic apple pie flavor.
- Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring a luscious and dense cheesecake texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Evenly spread the cooked apple mixture on top, then cover with the remaining cheesecake batter, smoothing the surface carefully to keep distinct layers.
- Bake and Chill: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath or at low temperature to prevent cracking and ensure even cooking. After baking, cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture set firmly.
- Add Salted Caramel Topping: Just before serving, drizzle the rich salted caramel sauce generously over the top for a sweet and salty finish that elevates the dessert’s flavor.
Notes
- Always use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure smooth batter.
- Wrapping the springform pan and baking in a water bath helps prevent cracks and creates a smooth texture.
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith to maintain a satisfying bite and avoid mushy filling.
- Taste the salted caramel sauce before topping to ensure balance without overwhelming the cheesecake.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to enhance flavor depth and improve sliceability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Apple Pie Cheesecake, Autumn Dessert, Caramel Apple Dessert, Cheesecake Recipe