Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is not just any dessert; it’s a warm hug from the inside out. Combining creamy cheesecake with layers of spiced apples and a drizzle of salted caramel, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of apple pie and the indulgent richness of cheesecake. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, this cheesecake is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this dessert even more special is how effortless it is to prepare. You can break down the steps over a couple of days if you’re busy, making it perfect for those hectic weeks. Plus, who wouldn’t want to impress their loved ones with such a delicious creation?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and creamy cheesecake creates a taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With clear steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find that making this cheesecake is straightforward, even for baking novices.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This dessert is great for all ages, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Many components can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to enjoy your company on special occasions.
• Showstopper Presentation: The layers of crumble and caramel sauce make this cheesecake as beautiful as it is tasty!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store. This list may seem long, but don’t worry; it’s mostly spices and pantry staples that contribute to that amazing flavor.

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 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 ingredients from above apple filling section)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into your crumble topping for added crunch.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or ginger in your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Flavor Swap: Instead of apples, try using pears or peaches in your filling for a different fruity twist.
• Cheesecake Swirl: Create beautiful swirls by adding some caramel sauce into your cheesecake batter before baking.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before diving in, take a moment to read through the entire recipe. Preparing everything beforehand will make the process smoother. Plus, some elements can be made ahead of time!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel and slice your apples between ¼ and ½ inch thick. In a medium pan set over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for about 8-14 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally—this helps create a lovely sauce! If things get too dry, add a splash more cider or water. Once cooked to perfection, thicken with cornstarch mixed with water if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Combine crust ingredients in a bowl until well mixed; then press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for about 10 minutes until set.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Ensure all cold ingredients are at room temperature before starting—this helps achieve that smooth texture we crave! Beat softened cream cheese until creamy; add sugar and mix until combined. Add eggs one by one while mixing gently after each addition. Finally, incorporate vanilla extract, sour cream, corn starch, and spices until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cheesecake

Pour half of your cheesecake batter into the baked crust followed by an even layer of apple filling. Pour on remaining batter and smooth out with an offset spatula.

Step 6: Prep Water Bath

Set up your water bath by placing your springform pan on a rack in the center of your oven with a roasting pan below it. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan—this keeps our cheesecake extra creamy!

Step 7: Bake Your Cheesecake

Bake for about 90 minutes. Keep an eye on it! When done correctly, it should have slightly raised edges but only be very slightly wobbly in the center.

Step 8: Cool & Chill

After baking time concludes, let cheesecake cool in turned-off oven for one hour before transferring it out to cool completely at room temperature. Cover with foil and chill in fridge for at least six hours—or better yet—overnight!

Step 9: Make Crumble Topping

While waiting on your cheesecake to chill, preheat oven again to 350°F for crumble topping preparation. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon before cutting cold butter into mixture until crumbly. Spread onto lined sheet pan and bake until golden brown—12-20 minutes usually does it!

Step 10: Make Salted Caramel Sauce

Create caramel using my quick recipe found on my blog! Let cool before drizzling over finished cheesecake.

Step 11: Prepare Apple Pie Topping

Repeat steps from earlier apple filling preparation for this topping as well—just ensure they’re sliced thicker than before!

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Once chilled completely overnight or several hours later—even day-of if needed—top chilled cheesecake generously with apple pie topping followed by crumble mix then drizzle that luscious salted caramel sauce atop everything else! Slice up your masterpiece & enjoy every bite!

With these instructions close at hand—and perhaps some soothing music playing—you’re ready to create this delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake that will have everyone raving! Happy baking!

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 little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cheesecake turns out beautifully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth and creamy batter without lumps, which is essential for a luscious cheesecake texture.

• Don’t skip the water bath: Baking your cheesecake in a water bath prevents it from cracking and ensures even cooking, leading to that perfectly creamy consistency we all crave.

• Cool gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar minimizes temperature shock, preventing cracks on the surface.

• Let it chill: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your taste preferences! Additional nuts, whipped cream, or even chocolate shavings can add a delightful twist.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake beautifully will make it even more enjoyable for you and your guests. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert:

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor that complements the apples.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving not only looks beautiful but also enhances that warm fall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside the cheesecake creates an irresistible combination that’s sure to please.
• Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair perfectly with the flavors of caramel and apple, making it a cozy accompaniment.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad helps balance out the richness of the cheesecake with its lightness and acidity.
• Hot Chocolate: For an indulgent pairing, serve with a cup of rich hot chocolate, perfect for those chilly fall evenings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing everyone with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week. You can prepare several components in advance, making it easy to serve at gatherings or for a family dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cheesecake slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Keep the apple topping and crumble in separate containers to maintain their texture.
• If you have extra salted caramel sauce, store it in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices of cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• For best results, let refrigerated cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
• If you prefer it warm, microwave a slice on low power for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just remember to add the toppings right before serving for the best texture!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake?

Leftover cheesecake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep any toppings separate to maintain their crunchiness.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the cheesecake?

No worries! You can adjust the spices based on what you have. Cinnamon is key here, but feel free to omit or substitute nutmeg and cloves with other warm spices like ginger or cardamom.

How long does it take to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake?

The total time is about 155 minutes, which includes prep and baking. However, you can break it down into manageable steps over a couple of days!

Can I replace sour cream with something else?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream if desired. It will still give that creamy texture while being a bit lighter.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake brings warmth and joy to your table! It’s truly a special treat that combines all the favorite flavors of fall into one stunning dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every moment of making it, and remember—there’s nothing quite like sharing delicious food with loved ones!