Picture the scent of warm apples and caramel drifting through your kitchen, then imagine that richness layered into creamy cheesecake. That’s exactly what this salted caramel apple pie cheesecake delivers. It’s the perfect marriage of fall comfort and classic dessert, balancing tangy cream cheese with tender apples and a silky caramel drizzle. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something cozy, this cheesecake deserves a spot at your table.
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted caramel apple pie cheesecake blends a buttery crust, spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel drizzle for a festive fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 6 tbsp + ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into springform pan and bake briefly.
- Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spread over crust.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream. Pour over apples.
- Bake at 325°F until set. Cool completely and refrigerate 4+ hours.
- Melt sugar until amber. Stir in butter, then cream and salt to make caramel.
- Drizzle cooled caramel over chilled cheesecake and serve.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture.
- Let cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracks.
- Wrap leftovers tightly or freeze slices individually.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This cheesecake is indulgent without being fussy. Every bite offers the crunch of a graham crust, the warmth of spiced apples, and the sweet-salty finish of caramel. It’s a dessert that feels festive but is simple enough to make at home. Plus, it’s versatile, you can serve it at Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or a weekend treat. Guests will ask for seconds, and you’ll be glad you saved a slice for yourself.
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Ingredients
Before we dive into the table, know that this recipe uses everyday ingredients you may already have at home. From apples and cream cheese to sugar and butter, each piece plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¼ cups (divided) |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 6 tbsp + ½ cup |
| Cream cheese, softened | 24 oz |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Apples, peeled & sliced | 3 cups |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Sea salt | 1 tsp |
Substitutions
If Granny Smith apples feel too tart, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring a natural sweetness. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter touch. Gluten-free graham crackers work for those avoiding wheat, and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes make this recipe accessible to more eaters.
Step-by-Step Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Before you begin, take a moment to prep your ingredients, measured, softened, and ready. Having everything in place makes the process smoother and helps you enjoy baking without stress.
- Prepare the crust
Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into a springform pan, then bake briefly to set.
- Add apple filling
Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Make the cheesecake batter
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Blend in eggs one by one, followed by vanilla and sour cream. Pour over apples.
- Bake
Bake until just set in the center. Let cool completely, then refrigerate.
- Make caramel sauce
Melt sugar until amber, stir in butter, then add cream and salt. Let it cool slightly.
- Finish and serve
Drizzle caramel generously over the chilled cheesecake before slicing.
Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter. To prevent cracks, let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar. Keep your caramel sauce thick enough to coat but not run off the cake. If you’re storing leftovers, wrap slices tightly to keep flavors fresh.
Variations & Substitutions for Apple Pie Cheesecake
For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust. A dairy-free swap works with plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream caramel. Add crushed pecans for texture, or drizzle dark chocolate for a decadent twist. Want to keep it light? Use reduced-fat cream cheese and skip the caramel for a simple apple cheesecake.
Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake With
Pair with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon whipped cream, or hot cider. It’s also perfect alongside coffee or chai for a cozy fall dessert moment.
Storage & Reheat for Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Refrigerate tightly wrapped cheesecake for up to 4 days. Freeze slices individually for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge. If you want a warm bite, heat a slice in the microwave for 15 seconds, but add caramel afterward for the best texture.
Nutrition for Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Each serving has about 460 calories, with 45 grams of carbs, 28 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein. You’ll also get a small amount of fiber from apples. For nutrition guidelines on desserts and balance, check the USDA Dietary Guidelines.
FAQs About Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Granny Smith apples are most popular because their tartness balances the sweetness of caramel. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work if you want a milder flavor.
Yes, pre-cooking apples with sugar and spices prevents them from shrinking too much while baking. This ensures an even texture in your cheesecake. Learn more at the USDA on baking fruits.
It’s a hybrid dessert that layers apple pie filling into a creamy cheesecake base, often topped with caramel or streusel. It’s a comforting twist on two American classics.
Their version typically includes cream cheese, sugar, eggs, caramel, and a buttery crust. While proprietary, similar recipes include apples, caramel, and graham crust. Check the NIH nutrition database for breakdowns of common dessert components.
More Like This
If you enjoyed this salted caramel apple pie cheesecake, here are a few more Recipes2Gather favorites you’ll want to try next:
- Spider Web Cheesecake: A fun, festive cheesecake with a chocolate web design, perfect for Halloween parties.
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip: A quick, shareable dessert that captures the flavors of caramel apples in dip form.
- Halloween Oreo Brownies: Fudgy brownies with Oreo crunch, a playful treat for any spooky celebration.
- Graveyard Pudding Cookie Cups: Mini pudding cups decorated like graveyards, ideal for seasonal gatherings.
Save This Recipe for Later
Bookmark this salted caramel apple pie cheesecake recipe, pin it for fall inspiration, or share it with a friend. When that craving hits, you’ll be glad it’s ready to bake.