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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly examine all ingredients and kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is prepared. The recipe can be split across multiple preparation days for convenience.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Prepare crumble topping by spreading mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Create salted caramel sauce according to preferred recipe method, allowing to cool before final application.
- Prepare additional apple topping using similar cooking technique as initial filling.
- Once chilled, decorate cheesecake with reserved apple topping, sprinkle crumble generously, and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.
- 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