Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of spiced apples and a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce, this dessert is the perfect indulgence for any occasion.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple Layer
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crust and cheesecake layers.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed, then press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the fillings.
- Prepare Apple Layer: In a large bowl, toss peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour, ensuring the apples are well coated to thicken the juices during baking.
- Layer Apples: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate vanilla extract and sour cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending until fully combined for a rich, velvety texture.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the apple layer, smoothing the top to create an even surface.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the assembled cheesecake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours to allow it to set fully.
- Make Salted Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it turns an amber color, then stir in the butter until melted.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth caramel sauce, then remove from heat.
- Season Caramel: Stir in sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the caramel’s flavor.
- Serve: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the chilled cheesecake before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter and to prevent lumps.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of water on the lower rack during baking.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly; overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The salted caramel sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; warm gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel, Apple Pie, Cheesecake, Dessert, Fall Recipe, Homemade Caramel