why make this recipe
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake beautifully blends the warm spices and sweet-tart flavor of apples, creamy cheesecake, and rich salted caramel. It’s a dessert that delights during fall gatherings or any occasion when you want to impress guests. The contrast of the silky cheesecake with the crunchy crumble topping creates a variety of textures that make every bite enjoyable. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that combines classic apple pie with the luxuriousness of cheesecake.
how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 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
- 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)
- 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 corn starch
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
- 4 medium apples (588 to 625 grams)
- 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
- 1-2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/3 cup 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
- 2 tsp water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Directions
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Prep: Read through the recipe before you begin to ensure you have all the ingredients. You can break things up over multiple days if needed!
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Make the Apple Filling: Peel and slice the apples between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add all the apple filling ingredients. Cook for 8-14 minutes, stirring gently until the apples reach the desired tenderness. If the liquid cooks off, add a splash of cider or water. To thicken the filling, mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and add this to the apple mixture while cooking. Transfer the filling to a bowl to cool.
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Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. In a bowl, mix the crust ingredients. Press the mixture into the pan and up the sides slightly. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
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Make the Cheesecake: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and mix well, then incorporate the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla, cornstarch, sour cream, and spices, mixing until combined. Pour half the batter into the crust, then spread the apple filling on top. Pour the remaining batter over the apples.
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Prep Water Bath: Set the cheesecake pan on a rack in the center of the oven. Place a large roasting pan below it. Fill the roasting pan with boiling water to create a water bath.
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Bake: Bake for 1 hour and 30 to 1 hour and 50 minutes. The edges should be raised, and the center slightly wobbly. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour.
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Cool & Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven after an hour. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally up to 1 day.
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Make Crumble Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Spread on a pan and bake for 12-20 minutes, stirring halfway until golden brown. Let cool.
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Make Salted Caramel Sauce: Prepare the caramel sauce according to your favorite recipe. Let it cool before using it on the cheesecake.
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Make Apple Pie Topping: Peel and slice apples and cook them as you did for the filling. Let them cool.
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Serve: Once fully chilled, top the cheesecake with the apple pie mixture, crumble topping, and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Slice and enjoy!
how to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
This cheesecake is perfect for family gatherings or parties. Serve it chilled and topped with fresh whipped cream for an extra touch. You can also sprinkle some crunchy crumbles on top for a delightful texture.
how to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If packaged well, it can also be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for the best texture.
- If you want to save time, you can prepare the apple filling, caramel sauce, and crumble topping ahead of time.
- Use a water bath to help your cheesecake bake evenly and stay creamy.
variation
For a different flavor twist, you could add pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for added crunch. You can also experiment with different spices in the apple filling, like ginger or cardamom, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel, but homemade often tastes better and allows more control over the flavor.
2. Can I make this cheesecake a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead improves the flavor, allowing it to chill and set properly.
3. What should I do if the cheesecake cracks?
Cream cheesecakes can crack during baking if they are cooked too long or if the oven temperature is too high. To avoid this, consider using a water bath and following the baking times closely. If it does crack, you can always cover it up with the apple topping or crumble!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake and apple pie, topped with salted caramel for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, sliced
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
- 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 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
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Peel and slice the apples and combine them with all the apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-14 minutes until tender.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix the crust ingredients and press the mixture into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, then incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, cornstarch, sour cream, and spices.
- Pour half the batter into the crust, spread the apple filling on top, and pour the remaining batter over the apples.
- Prepare a water bath by placing the cheesecake pan in a roasting pan filled with boiling water.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30-50 minutes until the edges are raised, and the center slightly wobbles. Cool in the oven for an hour.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving.
- For the crumble topping, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, cut in butter until crumbly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-20 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the caramel sauce, let it cool, and top the chilled cheesecake with the apple pie mixture, crumble topping, and caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. You can prepare apple filling, caramel sauce, and crumble ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 110 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
