Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a heavenly collision of flavors and textures with this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe! Imagine the crisp, cinnamon-kissed apples of your favorite pie meeting the creamy, dreamy decadence of the best cheesecake. All of that is crowned with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce that will make you swoon. This unforgettable dessert combines all the coziness of a classic apple pie with the elegance of cheesecake, making it an absolute showstopper for holidays or any sweet celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe plays a vital role, from creating the sturdy, buttery base to layering on flavors that sing together in each bite. You’ll recognize most of these from your pantry, and once you see how they come together, you’ll never look at cheesecake the same way again!

• Graham cracker crumbs: Bring a sweet, toasty crunch and classic flavor to the bottom crust.
• Granulated sugar (for crust and cheesecake): Sweetens both the base and the creamy filling, blending perfectly into each layer.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust, offering rich flavor and just the right amount of crispness.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient for a velvety-smooth, tangy cheesecake filling.
• Large eggs: Give the filling structure and that iconic cheesecake silkiness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors, adding warmth and an inviting aroma.
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and ensures a light, creamy texture for the cheesecake layer.
• Peeled and sliced apples: Offer tender, fruity bites that contrast beautifully with creamy filling and crunchy crust.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the apple layer with molasses notes and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: The secret to making your kitchen smell like autumn, infusing apples with warmth and spice.
• All-purpose flour: Helps coat the apples for the perfect, thick apple layer.
• Heavy cream: Gives the salted caramel sauce a luxurious, pourable consistency.
• Sea salt: The pinch that transforms caramel from ordinary to truly sensational.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Blend together graham cracker crumbs, a little granulated sugar, and that glorious, melted butter in a mixing bowl. The aroma alone tells you it’s off to a good start! Press this mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer that will hold up under all those creamy and fruity layers. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool so it stays crisp.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Apple Layer

Take your peeled and sliced apples and toss them in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Make sure every slice is glossy and spiced—it’s the secret to turning those apples into soft, pie-like perfection as it bakes. Once the crust has cooled, spread the apple mixture evenly over it. This creates that irresistible apple pie vibe right from the first forkful.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Batter

In another large bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until luxuriously smooth, then mix in the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, blending each in well (this helps keep your cheesecake super creamy and prevents cracks). Fold in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated. This batter is silky and decadent, ready to be gently poured over your apple-crowned crust.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Place your pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, keeping an eye on the center—it should be almost set but still have a slight jiggle in the middle. This patience pays off with a perfect, creamy texture! Let it cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better for best results).

Step 5: Make and Top with Salted Caramel Sauce

For that final flourish, heat granulated sugar in a saucepan until it melts and turns deep amber, swirling occasionally to avoid burning. Add butter and stir until melted and bubbling, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream, standing back from the steam! Finish it with a generous pinch of sea salt, and you’ve got the most gorgeous homemade salted caramel. When the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle generously over the top just before serving.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top makes each bite pop, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it taste extra special. Some thin apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon look beautiful and add a final flavor flourish.

Side Dishes

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe pairs wonderfully with hot drinks like coffee, chai, or spiced apple cider. If you want a fresh note to balance the richness, try serving with a fruit salad or tart berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual mini cheesecakes baked in cupcake liners are fun for parties, or go rustic by serving generous slices on wooden boards. For a holiday table, surround your cheesecake with whole cinnamon sticks, apple wedges, and little pitchers of extra caramel sauce so guests can drizzle to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or cover well with foil, then refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so you might find the slices taste even better after some time in the fridge.

Freezing

The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices (or the whole cheesecake) in plastic and then foil, and keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Generally, this cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, a quick 10- to 15-second zap in the microwave will gently soften it. Add caramel after reheating to keep it glossy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust for the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, or even vanilla wafers for a flavor twist. Each type of cookie will bring its own texture and personality to the cheesecake base.

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully because they hold their shape while baking and balance out the sweet layers with their tangy flavor.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The caramel sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks; simply warm it gently before drizzling over your cheesecake.

Do I need a water bath for baking this cheesecake?

A water bath isn’t strictly necessary for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe, but if you’re aiming for a super-smooth top without any cracks, you can certainly bake it with one. Either way, the flavor shines through!

How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly wobbly center, which will firm up as the cheesecake cools. Overbaking can make the texture dry, so trust the jiggle!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert to impress family and friends, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe is a dream come true. The combination of creamy cheesecake, cinnamon apples, and salted caramel makes every bite memorable. Give it a try and watch it become the most requested treat in your kitchen!

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