Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the classic flavors of apple pie with rich and creamy cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and delightful. With layers of spiced apples, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of luscious salted caramel, it’s a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for fall festivities or a cozy family gathering, this dessert is sure to please both apple pie lovers and cheesecake fans alike.
This delicious cheesecake is perfect for any gathering!
A Perfect Autumn Treat
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of an apple dessert baking in the oven. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake embodies the essence of fall, making it the ideal treat for Thanksgiving, Halloween gatherings, or any cozy autumn evening. The combination of spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and a hint of sea salt in the caramel sauce offers a delightful balance of flavors that will warm hearts and create lasting memories.
This dessert not only boasts traditional apple pie flavors, but it also elevates them with a luxurious cheesecake layer. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender apples, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Serving this dish at your next family get-together will surely earn you compliments and requests for the recipe, helping you cement your status as the go-to baker in your circle!
Cheesecake Variations
While this recipe showcases the timeless apple-pie flavor profile, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or seasonal fruit offerings. Consider experimenting with other fruits such as peaches, cherries, or even berries. Each change can bring a new twist to the cheesecake without sacrificing the mouthwatering experience that this recipe provides. For instance, using fresh blueberries and replacing the caramel sauce with a berry coulis could create a delightful summer alternative.
If you’re looking to reduce the richness, you can also try a lighter cream cheese substitute or incorporate Greek yogurt into the cheesecake filling. These adjustments will still yield a creamy texture while adding a tangy flavor. Don't hesitate to get creative with spices as well; a little nutmeg or ginger could add a unique depth to the cheesecake that complements the apples beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Ingredients
Cheesecake Base
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Prepare the Base
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the Apple Filling
In a large skillet, combine sliced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Layer the apple filling on top, then pour the remaining cheesecake batter. Smooth the top.
Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it caramelizes. Stir in butter, then carefully add cream and salt. Allow to cool.
Serve
Before serving, drizzle salted caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake.
Enjoy Your Dessert!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results, ensure that your cream cheese is fully softened before use. This will allow you to create a smooth filling without any lumps. Additionally, mixing your batter gently will help incorporate air without overmixing, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake after baking.
Allow your cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating. This step is crucial for developing the right texture and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully during chilling. If you're impatient, be tempted to skip this step, but trust us: patience is key to achieving a perfectly set cheesecake!
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. After cooling, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to deepen and mature, making it even more delicious when served.
If you’re planning to make it even earlier, consider placing the cooled cheesecake in the freezer. It can be stored for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What kind of apples should I use?
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Granny Smith and Fuji for the best flavor.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the classic flavors of apple pie with rich and creamy cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and delightful. With layers of spiced apples, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of luscious salted caramel, it’s a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for fall festivities or a cozy family gathering, this dessert is sure to please both apple pie lovers and cheesecake fans alike.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8.0
What You'll Need
Cheesecake Base
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
In a large skillet, combine sliced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Layer the apple filling on top, then pour the remaining cheesecake batter. Smooth the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it caramelizes. Stir in butter, then carefully add cream and salt. Allow to cool.
Before serving, drizzle salted caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 6g