The Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe for Fall

Salted caramel apple pie cheesecake represents the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers seeking a luxurious twist on classic comfort foods.

Rich, creamy textures merge with sweet and tangy flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Warm autumn spices and decadent caramel undertones create an irresistible dessert experience that revolutionizes ordinary baking into a culinary celebration.

Layers of complex ingredients promise a sophisticated yet approachable treat that appeals to both novice and experienced bakers.

Each carefully constructed slice delivers a harmonious blend of smooth cheesecake, tender fruit, and buttery crust elements.

Crisp seasonal notes intertwine with smooth, velvety cream cheese, elevating this dessert beyond traditional expectations.

The magic lies in balancing contrasting flavors and temperatures, ensuring every bite tells a delicious story.

Why This Dessert is Apple Pie’s Cool Cousin

• Luxurious Layer Party: This cheesecake delivers multiple flavor dimensions with its rich apple pie filling, creamy cheesecake base, buttery crumble topping, and decadent salted caramel sauce, creating a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite.
• Master Baker's Dream: The recipe offers a complex yet manageable technique for home bakers, featuring professional methods like water bath baking and multiple component preparation that elevates home cooking skills without overwhelming novice cooks.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Designed with convenience in mind, this dessert allows multiple components to be prepared days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and allowing flavors to develop and meld beautifully before serving.
• Textural Symphony: The dessert brilliantly combines contrasting textures – smooth, silky cheesecake, tender spiced apples, crunchy crumble topping, and glossy caramel sauce – creating a delightful sensory experience in every forkful.

The Ingredients Behind That Gooey Crunch

• Graham Crackers: Classic base with buttery crunch, choose fresh and crisp crackers.
• Butter: Helps bind crust together, unsalted preferred for controlled saltiness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelization of crust.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm spice and complements apple flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Main creamy component, use full-fat room temperature blocks.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances cream cheese flavor.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness to cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor, use pure vanilla for best taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture.
• Spices: Warm spices that complement apple and caramel notes.

• Apples: Firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
• Cornstarch: Thickens apple filling and controls moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens caramel-like sweetness in apple filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic apple pie spices with warm undertones.
• Butter: Helps sauté and develop apple flavors.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Rich, sweet-salty drizzle for finishing.
• Crumble Topping: Adds crunchy texture and complementary flavor.

Build Layers That Melt in Your Mouth

Step 1: Gather Kitchen Arsenal

Collect all baking tools, measuring cups, springform pan, mixing bowls, and ingredients. Read entire recipe carefully to understand the process.

Step 2: Craft The Crunchy Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press mixture firmly into springform pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare Spiced Apple Filling

• Apples
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Butter
• Cornstarch

Peel and chop apples into uniform chunks. Melt butter in large skillet, add apples and spices. Cook until apples soften and release juices. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into filling to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Batter

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and warm spices. Blend until silky and well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble Cheesecake Layers

Pour half cheesecake batter over cooled crust. Add cooled apple filling as middle layer. Cover with remaining cheesecake batter. Smooth top with spatula.

Step 6: Create Water Bath Magic

Wrap springform pan in heavy aluminum foil. Place inside larger baking pan. Fill outer pan with hot water halfway up cheesecake pan sides. Carefully transfer to oven.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. Cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in center when gently shaken.

Step 8: Slow Cool Method

Turn off oven. Crack oven door open. Let cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour. Remove and refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or overnight.

Step 9: Prepare Crumbly Topping

Mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread on baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy. Cool completely.

Step 10: Craft Salted Caramel Drizzle

Combine sugar, cream, butter in saucepan. Cook until rich amber color. Add salt. Cool slightly before using.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Top chilled cheesecake with additional apple filling. Sprinkle crumble generously. Drizzle with warm salted caramel sauce.

Tips for Cheesecake, Caramel, and Crust Harmony

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.
• Achieve Smooth Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky texture.
• Master Water Bath Technique: Wrap springform pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the delicate cheesecake base.
• Control Baking Doneness: Watch for slight wobble in the center, which indicates perfect baking – the cheesecake will continue setting while cooling.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let cheesecake rest overnight in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

Store Without Compromising That Perfect Slice

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store your cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the delicate dessert away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicious flavor profile.
• Freezing Method: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can be stored for up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. For the best taste and texture, enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheesecake tough and compromise its smooth, delicate consistency.

Drinks and Treats to Serve with It

• Sip Sweet Cinnamon Warmth: Pair this decadent cheesecake with a warm apple cider or mulled wine to enhance the autumnal apple and spice notes, creating a cozy flavor harmony.
• Match Creamy Contrast: Select a crisp, chilled white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cut through the rich cheesecake texture and complement its sweet-tangy profile.
• Balance Buttery Delight: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add extra creaminess and provide a cool contrast to the warm caramel and spiced apple elements.
• Brew Complementary Comfort: Enjoy with a freshly brewed chai tea or espresso, which will highlight the cake's complex layers of spice, caramel, and fruit without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Cheesecake Twists That Hit the Sweet Spot

• Rustic Autumn Cheesecake: Replace regular apples with heirloom or local farm varieties for deeper flavor profiles. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance seasonal warmth.
• Spiced Pecan Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans into the crust and crumble topping. Introduce bourbon vanilla extract for a rich, southern-inspired taste. Swap some cream cheese with mascarpone for extra creaminess.
• Berry Caramel Fusion: Layer fresh mixed berries between cheesecake batter and apple filling. Use dark brown sugar in caramel sauce for deeper caramel notes. Garnish with freeze-dried raspberry crumbles for texture and color contrast.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Edition: Substitute graham cracker crust with almond flour and gluten-free oats. Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel apple pie cheesecake combines creamy richness with classic autumn flavors. Layers of spiced apples, silky cream cheese, and buttery caramel create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave long after the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Spices:

• 4 medium apples (588 grams / 20.7 ounces)
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
• 1 and ¼ teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Dairy and Eggs:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 grams) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) salted butter, cubed
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Sweeteners and Stabilizers:

• 1 and ½ cups (308 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (210 grams) granulated sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons apple cider (or water if cider isn’t available)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of flaky sea salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly examine all ingredients and kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is prepared. The recipe can be split across multiple preparation days for convenience.
2. Carefully peel and slice apples for the filling. In a saucepan, combine filling ingredients (excluding cornstarch), cooking until apples become tender and soft. Integrate cornstarch mixture to achieve desired thickness. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool completely.
3. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crust ingredients, pressing firmly into a 9-inch (23-centimeter) springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then prepare for water bath technique.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract, sour cream, and selected spices until uniformly combined.
5. Pour approximately half the cheesecake batter over prepared crust. Gently distribute cooled apple filling across the layer, then cover with remaining batter, ensuring even coverage.
6. Position cheesecake in a water bath, baking for 1 hour and 35 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes. The center should remain slightly jiggly when gently shaken. After baking, leave cheesecake in oven with door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
7. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
8. Prepare crumble topping by spreading mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Create salted caramel sauce according to preferred recipe method, allowing to cool before final application.
10. Prepare additional apple topping using similar cooking technique as initial filling.
11. Once chilled, decorate cheesecake with reserved apple topping, sprinkle crumble generously, and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.
12. For advanced preparation, apple fillings, caramel sauce, and crumble topping can be made several days in advance and stored appropriately in sealed containers.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Gather all ingredients and tools beforehand, as this complex dessert requires careful planning and can be prepared over multiple days.
• Baker’s Secret Weapon: Use a water bath technique to ensure a silky-smooth, crack-free cheesecake with perfectly creamy texture.
• Flavor Layering Magic: The combination of apple pie filling, salted caramel, and cheesecake creates an indulgent dessert that balances sweet, tangy, and rich flavors.
• Make-Ahead Mastermind: Prepare components like apple filling, caramel sauce, and crumble topping in advance to simplify final assembly and reduce day-of stress.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked, then chill for at least 6 hours to develop optimal texture and flavor.
• Temperature Tip: Ingredients like cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 532 kcal
• Sugar: 46 g
• Sodium: 355 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg