Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings all the cozy vibes of fall to your table, then look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake! It’s a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced caramelized apples, and a buttery oat crumble that will make your taste buds dance. This recipe has become a family favorite in our home, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to holiday gatherings. Imagine slicing into this beautiful cheesecake and watching everyone’s eyes light up!

The best part? You get all the flavors of a classic apple pie without the fuss of dealing with pastry crust. With its rich layers and delicious toppings, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and creamy cheesecake creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: Even though it looks fancy, this recipe is straightforward and manageable—perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare many components ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday celebration, this dessert is sure to be the star of the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake:

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples (588 grams sliced)
• 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
• 1-2 tbsp apple cider
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
• 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1-2 tsp lemon juice (to taste)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp water

For the Crust

• 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (use the full-fat, block style)
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams)

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (48 grams)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp, or 57 grams)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
• pinch of flaky sea salt

For the Apple Pie Topping

(Repeat apple filling ingredients)
(Note: You may use fresh apples again or leftover filling!)

Variations

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is quite flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble for extra crunch.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or peaches if you want to mix things up!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers in place of regular ones for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into making this cheesecake, take a moment to read through the entire recipe. Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go! This step keeps things organized and makes baking more enjoyable.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel and slice those lovely apples into pieces about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Add them along with butter, cider, sugar, spices, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water into a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook until they are tender—this usually takes about 8-14 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick; if they start drying out too much, just splash in more cider or water!

Step 3: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick spray. In a bowl, mix together your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan—and don’t forget those sides! Bake it for about 10 minutes until set.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Remember that cream cheese must be at room temperature for best results! In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix until fluffy. Then add eggs one by one—this helps keep your batter smooth without overmixing. Finally stir in vanilla extract and other ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cheesecake

Pour half of your cheesecake batter into that lovely baked crust. Carefully spoon your cooled apple filling over this layer before adding on the remaining batter. Smooth with an offset spatula so it’s nice and even.

Step 6: Prep Your Water Bath

To ensure your cheesecake bakes evenly without cracking, we’re going to create a water bath! Place your springform pan on an oven rack with another roasting pan below it filled with boiling water—this helps keep moisture around while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Pop that beautiful cheesecake into your preheated oven! Bake it for about an hour and a half. When finished baking, let it cool slowly in the oven after turning off the heat; this helps prevent cracks.

Step 8: Cool & Chill

Once cooled slightly in the oven for about an hour, remove from heat carefully and let it cool completely on wire racks before refrigerating overnight if possible.

Step 9: Make Crumble Topping

While waiting on cooling time—let’s make our crumble topping! Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt & cinnamon then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Spread onto parchment-lined sheet pan & bake until golden brown!

Step 10: Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy salted caramel sauce recipe as linked above—or use any store-bought sauce if you’re short on time!

Step 11: Serve + Store

Top off your chilled cheesecake with that delicious apple pie topping along with crumbled topping & drizzle generously with caramel sauce before serving!

This delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is bound to be loved by everyone who tries it! Enjoy every luscious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love. Here are some handy tips to ensure your dessert turns out absolutely scrumptious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that your cheesecake filling blends smoothly, preventing lumps and resulting in a creamy texture.
• Don’t skip the water bath: Baking your cheesecake in a water bath helps regulate the temperature, which prevents cracking and keeps your cheesecake moist and velvety.
• Let it cool slowly: Cracking can occur if you cool your cheesecake too quickly. Allow it to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar for an hour before placing it in the fridge.
• Chill overnight: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your cheesecake overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
• Be patient with the caramel: When making salted caramel sauce, keep the heat low and stir frequently. This prevents burning and results in a silky smooth sauce.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake can elevate its appeal and make it even more irresistible! Here are some delightful suggestions for serving this delectable dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the rich cheesecake.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of cinnamon over the top offers a warm spice aroma that enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm spices in the cheesecake, creating a comforting combination.
• Caramelized pears: Enhance the apple theme by serving caramelized pears on the side; their sweetness will complement the flavors of your cheesecake perfectly.
• Coffee or chai tea: A steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea provides warmth and balances out the sweetness of your dessert.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a bright contrast to the richness of the cheesecake, cleansing your palate between bites.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor its delightful flavors without the stress of last-minute preparations. With a few simple steps, you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the cheesecake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• This cheesecake is best served cold or at room temperature.
• If desired, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to bring it to the right temperature.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and caramel sauce a day or two in advance. The cheesecake itself is also great when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

What kind of apples work best for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake?

Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

How do I know when my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake should be slightly raised at the edges with a matte top and only a slight wobble in the center when done. An instant-read thermometer inserted halfway down should read between 150°F and 155°F.

Can I use different toppings on my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even fresh fruit if you want to mix things up!

Final Thoughts

Making this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about sharing warmth and joy with friends and family. The combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and rich caramel creates a treat that truly embodies the spirit of fall. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite! Dive into your baking adventure today!