Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Cheesecake combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the warm flavors of spiced apples and gooey caramel. It’s a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings or special occasions when you want to impress with a comforting treat.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the cheesecake batter over the apples and smooth the surface with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is nearly set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
6. Step 6: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavors.
• For a homemade caramel sauce, melt sugar with butter and cream slowly until golden and smooth.
• To avoid cracks, warm the cream cheese to room temperature and mix gently without overbeating.
• Try adding chopped pecans to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Reheat slices slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer a softer texture, but it’s also delicious served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a digestive biscuit crust or a simple shortbread crust depending on your preference.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This prevents overbaking and keeps the cheesecake creamy.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

A luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and a decadent caramel sauce drizzle. Perfect for fall desserts or any special occasion.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Cheesecake:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and caramelize slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the apple filling to cool slightly before assembly.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the baked crust in the springform pan. Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the apple layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even topping.
5. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking and promote even cooling.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set. Before serving, drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast against the sweet cheesecake.
• Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
• Do not overbake the cheesecake; the center should still have a slight jiggle when done to guarantee creamy texture.
• Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and helps the cheesecake set perfectly.
• You can make homemade caramel sauce or use quality store-bought caramel for convenience.
• Always use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake without damage.

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake, fall dessert, apple cheesecake, caramel sauce dessert, creamy cheesecake