Velvety Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe to Wow

Sweet apple slices dance through a creamy caramel apple pie cheesecake landscape that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, velvety filling blend seamlessly with buttery graham cracker crust and warm spices.

Each forkful carries the nostalgia of autumn’s most beloved desserts, melting into a symphony of flavors.

Crisp apples nestled within silky cheesecake create a decadent contrast that will make mouths water.

The salted caramel drizzle adds a luxurious touch, elevating this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this show-stopping treat that combines the best of cheesecake and apple pie.

Get ready to wow everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Cheesecake Tools You’ll Love Using

  • 9-inch springform pan: Essential for creating and removing the cheesecake easily.
  • Large mixing bowls: Perfect for combining crust, cheesecake, and apple filling ingredients.
  • Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing cornstarch and blending ingredients evenly.
  • Baking sheet: Needed for preparing the crumble topping.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Saucepan: Ideal for cooking apple filling and making caramel sauce.
  • Sharp knife: Necessary for peeling and slicing apples precisely.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Large roasting pan: Used for creating the water bath during baking.

How to Bake a Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

  • Crust Preparation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating a solid base for the cheesecake. Bake briefly to set the foundation.

  • Apple Wonderland

Slice fresh crisp apples into thin, elegant pieces. Sauté them gently with warm spices until they become soft and fragrant. The kitchen will fill with an incredible autumn aroma during this process.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating eggs and vanilla. Pour half the mixture over the prepared crust, creating a luxurious white canvas for the upcoming flavors.

  • Apple and Cheesecake Symphony

Carefully spread the cooked apple mixture over the initial cheesecake layer. Pour remaining cheesecake batter on top, creating beautiful swirls and layers.

  • Gentle Baking Technique

Place cheesecake in a water bath and bake slowly at a moderate temperature. This technique ensures a creamy, crack-free texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Crumble Magic

Create a crunchy topping by mixing oats, butter, and brown sugar. Bake until golden and crispy, adding delightful texture to the final dessert.

  • Caramel Drizzle

Craft a rich salted caramel sauce by carefully heating sugar until it transforms into a deep amber color. Add cream and a pinch of salt for a complex, luxurious finish.

  • Final Flourish

After the cheesecake has completely chilled, top with the prepared apple mixture, sprinkle with crumble, and generously drizzle with homemade caramel sauce.

Sweet Tips for Flavor & Toppings

  • Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and texture in your filling. Avoid soft, mushy apples that will turn to mush during cooking.
  • Experiment with different warm spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice to create unique flavor profiles that complement the caramel and apple combination.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingersnaps or speculoos cookies for an unexpected twist on the traditional crust that adds depth and complexity.
  • Adjust the salt level in your caramel sauce to suit your taste preferences – from a gentle sprinkle to a bold, savory finish that enhances the dessert's richness.
  • Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make this decadent dessert accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Slices of Cozy Cheesecake

  • Garnish with Caramel Drizzle: Create elegant swirls of salted caramel sauce across the top of the cheesecake, letting the golden streams cascade over the apple topping for a luxurious visual appeal.
  • Pair with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip fresh cream with a touch of ground cinnamon and dollop delicate peaks around the cheesecake's edges to complement the warm apple pie flavors and add a creamy contrast.
  • Serve Chilled and Elegant: Present the cheesecake on a beautiful cake stand, cutting clean slices that showcase the layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apple filling, and crunchy crumble topping for a stunning dessert experience.
  • Personalize with Seasonal Garnish: Sprinkle extra crumble around the plate or add a few thin apple slices candied with cinnamon for a festive and personalized touch that elevates the dessert's presentation.

Store, Chill, & Serve Again with Ease

  • Store Smartly: Refrigerate cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping its delicious texture and flavor intact.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain quality.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Break down recipe components in advance. Create apple filling, caramel sauce, and crumble topping 3-4 days before assembling. Store each element separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
  • Serve with Confidence: Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Drizzle fresh caramel sauce and add crumble right before presenting for maximum texture and visual appeal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 13

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Components

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, buttery foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and creates a rich, golden base with a delightful texture.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the cracker's neutral flavor.
For Cheesecake Base:
  • Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates a smooth, luxurious cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cheesecake.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple filling beautifully.
For Apple Filling and Topping:
  • Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the apple mixture.
  • Butter: Helps caramelize the apples and adds richness.
  • Cinnamon: Brings a classic warmth to the apple filling.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents apple browning.
For Crumble Topping:
  • Flour: Provides structure to the crumbly texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
Print
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Velvety Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Velvety Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Silky Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake blends classic dessert flavors into one irresistible creation. Crisp graham cracker crust and rich cream cheese filling complement sweet-tart apples and luxurious caramel, promising pure indulgence for you.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 apples (588 g / 20.7 oz), medium
  • 32 oz (907 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 eggs, large, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (308 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 g) sour cream, full-fat, room temperature
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) salted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 and ¼ tsps cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, to taste
  • 6 tbsps salted butter
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 2 tsps cornstarch mixed with 2 tsps water
  • 12 tbsps apple cider (or water if cider isn’t available)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment, ensuring a smooth workflow. Consider spreading preparation across multiple days for convenience.
  2. Apple Filling Crafting: Sauté apple slices with spices in a saucepan until tender. Thicken with cornstarch mixture, then cool completely in a separate bowl.
  3. Crust Formation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Press crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, baking for 10 minutes. Prepare water bath technique simultaneously.
  4. Cheesecake Base Creation: Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Gradually blend in eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and spices, ensuring uniform consistency.
  5. Layer Assembly: Pour half the cheesecake batter over the crust. Distribute cooled apple filling evenly, then cover with remaining batter for a seamless finish.
  6. Baking Process: Situate cheesecake in water bath, baking 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. Seek a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. After baking, leave in oven with door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent surface cracking.
  7. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or overnight to develop optimal flavor and texture.
  8. Topping Preparation: Create crumble by baking mixture on parchment-lined sheet until golden brown. Cool completely at room temperature.
  9. Caramel Sauce Creation: Prepare salted caramel sauce using preferred method, allowing to cool before final application.
  10. Final Decoration: Once thoroughly chilled, embellish cheesecake with reserved apple topping, generously sprinkle crumble, and drizzle caramel sauce just before serving.
  11. Make-Ahead Strategy: Apple fillings, caramel sauce, and crumble can be prepared days in advance and stored in sealed containers for maximum convenience.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Gather all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the baking process and ensure smooth execution.
  • Master the Water Bath: Use a water bath to create a gentle, even baking environment that prevents cheesecake from cracking and ensures a silky smooth texture.
  • Patience is Key: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause surface cracks.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components like apple filling, caramel sauce, and crumble topping days in advance to reduce day-of stress and enhance flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 48 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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