Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie, topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, this dessert will impress your guests with its decadent layers and delightful textures. With a buttery graham cracker crust and tender apple filling, it's a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that's sure to be a showstopper on your dessert table!
This dessert is a perfect blend of flavors that brings back memories of fall and family gatherings.
Why You'll Love It
- Decadent layers of cheesecake and apple pie filling
- Topped with homemade salted caramel sauce
- Perfect for special occasions
- Easy to make ahead of time
A Twist on a Classic
Combining cheesecake and apple pie may seem unconventional, but this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake elevates both desserts to new heights. The creaminess of the cheesecake provides a delightful contrast to the tender, spiced apple filling, while the buttery graham cracker crust adds an irresistible crunch. Each layer brings its own unique flavor and texture, resulting in a decadent dessert that’s not just rich but also incredibly satisfying.
The apple filling is the star ingredient, using fresh, crisp apples for a burst of flavor and natural sweetness. The addition of cinnamon and lemon juice enhances the apples' taste, creating a harmonious balance that complements the cheesecake perfectly. Whether you're an apple pie aficionado or a cheesecake lover, this dessert is bound to pique your interest.
Perfect for Thanksgiving Gatherings
This cheesecake not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning at any gathering. Its multi-layered structure offers visual appeal, making it a beautiful centerpiece on your dessert table. Additionally, it helps bring the flavors of fall to your festivities, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that family and friends will appreciate.
Preparing this dessert ahead of time allows you to spend more quality moments with your loved ones. Simply assemble the cheesecake the day before your event and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. On the day of your gathering, just drizzle the salted caramel sauce on top, and you’re ready to impress your guests!
Customizable for Every Taste
One of the greatest aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the apple filling for other fruits, such as pears or cherries, allowing you to cater to different preferences and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, if you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute in the cheesecake filling or the apple mixture without compromising on flavor.
Feel free to get creative with the salted caramel sauce too! For a touch of elegance, try adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the caramel as it cools. This simple twist can elevate the flavor profile, making your cheesecake even more unique and memorable.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Grahm Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Prepare the Apple Filling
In another bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Layer the apple filling on top, followed by the remaining cheesecake filling. Smooth the top and bake for 60 minutes.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it turns an amber color. Add the butter and stir, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in sea salt and let it cool.
Serve
Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, and enjoy!
For best flavor, let the cheesecake chill overnight before serving.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best texture for your cheesecake, make sure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you start mixing. This will prevent lumps and allow for a smoother filling. When beating the mixture, avoid overmixing after adding the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracks during baking.
Using a water bath while baking can also be beneficial. It helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the chances of cracks forming on the surface of the cheesecake. Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water for a gentle baking environment.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, cut the cheesecake into generous slices and plate them with a drizzle of the salted caramel sauce. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgence. Garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices can enhance the presentation.
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or hot apple cider, enhancing the fall flavors. It's an ideal dessert to wrap up a holiday meal, leaving your guests feeling satisfied and grateful for such a delightful end to their dining experience.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! This cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
If you want to prolong the life of your cheesecake, consider freezing slices. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What type of apples work best?
A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the best flavor.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie, topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, this dessert will impress your guests with its decadent layers and delightful textures. With a buttery graham cracker crust and tender apple filling, it's a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that's sure to be a showstopper on your dessert table!
Created by: Sam Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In another bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Layer the apple filling on top, followed by the remaining cheesecake filling. Smooth the top and bake for 60 minutes. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it turns an amber color. Add the butter and stir, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in sea salt and let it cool.
Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 4g