There’s something magical about a dessert that combines the silky richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie, all drizzled with salted caramel goodness. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake delivers on both flavor and simplicity, making it a surefire hit for family gatherings or any occasion. Plus, the contrast of the creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and that decadent caramel is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
A delightful dessert combining the rich flavors of cheesecake with the comforting essence of apple pie, drizzled with salted caramel.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 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 (for caramel)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- 1 tsp sea salt (for caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spread over cooled crust.
- Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and sour cream until combined.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over apple layer and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the center is slightly wobbly. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For caramel, melt 1 cup sugar until amber, add 6 tablespoons butter until melted, then slowly stir in heavy cream and sea salt.
- Drizzle cooled caramel over chilled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
Serve chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Mastering the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Why does this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake never fail? Because it’s built on dependable techniques and ingredients that work harmoniously together. Let’s break it down step by step, ensuring it’s as stress-free as possible. You’ve got this!
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 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 (for caramel)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- 1 tsp sea salt (for caramel)
These ingredients create layers of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible!
Cooking Method Made Simple
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- While the crust cools, toss together the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a large bowl. Spread them evenly over the cooled crust.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated; don’t rush here, you want a silky texture.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the apple layer in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly wobbly. Let it cool completely for best results, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or if you can wait, let it chill overnight to deepen all those flavors.
- For the salted caramel sauce, melt 1 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color. Be attentive; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly! Once it’s ready, add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then add the sea salt and mix until combined.
- Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 58g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
This cheesecake is balanced, rich, and filling but won’t leave you feeling weighed down. It’s just the right amount of indulgence!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake shines as the centerpiece for any dessert table. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra touch—your guests will be raving. Pair it with a warm cup of spiced cider or a delightful cup of coffee for a cozy end to any meal.
Storage & Reheat Tips
You can store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so long as it’s tightly covered. If you want to hang onto it for even longer, you can freeze slices! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. For reheating, let thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’s best served chilled—no need to heat it up.
Smart Tips
- Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for easy blending and a creamier texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating prevents cracks and will enhance the flavors.
- Caramel Timing: Make your salted caramel while the cheesecake is chilling for efficiency, but keep an eye on it—it can go from fabulous to burnt in seconds.
- Serving Size Matters: If you’re serving a crowd, slice it into smaller pieces, as this cheesecake is quite rich!
- Garnish Elegantly: Top with additional apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving for that professional touch.
Creative Flavor Twists
- Spiced Pear: Swap out the apples for pears for a different yet equally delicious flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in crushed pecans or walnuts into the crust for added crunch and taste.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate over the caramel for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight. It’s perfect for prepping a day in advance.
What’s the best way to slice cheesecake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice clean lines. Wipe the knife between cuts for a tidy presentation.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different. Full-fat ingredients yield the best results, giving you that luscious experience.
How can I avoid a cracked cheesecake?
Make sure not to overbake it—take it out when the middle is just slightly jiggly. Cooling it slowly in the oven with the door ajar also helps prevent cracks.
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and head into the kitchen. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is waiting for you to work your magic! Enjoy every slice of it, and don’t forget to brag a little about your creation—you’ve earned it.