When it comes to fall desserts, nothing captures the essence of the season quite like the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. This indulgent dessert brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake, the spiced warmth of apple pie, and the luscious decadence of salted caramel sauce. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress your guests with an unforgettable treat.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make this masterpiece step by step, ensuring that every element—from the buttery graham cracker crust to the caramel-drizzled topping—comes together beautifully.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake
- Flavor Explosion: Combines the best of apple pie and cheesecake, with warm spices, tangy cream cheese, and sweet caramel.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy cheesecake filling, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy oat crumble topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Many elements can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: With layers of caramelized apples, a golden crumble topping, and glossy caramel drizzle, this cheesecake is as stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients Breakdown
Apple Filling
- Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice bring the warmth of classic apple pie to life.
- Butter and Brown Sugar: Create a rich caramelized sauce for the apples.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture for the perfect consistency.
Graham Cracker Crust
- Cinnamon Graham Crackers: Add a touch of spice to complement the apple filling.
- Melted Butter: Ensures the crust is buttery and holds together well.
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness to the filling.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves echo the flavors of the apple filling.
Toppings
- Apple Topping: Similar to the filling, but with thicker apple slices for a hearty, decorative layer.
- Crumble Topping: A mix of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter adds crunch and texture.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Ties everything together with its sweet, salty richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling and slicing your apples. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add the apple slices, spices, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider. Stir occasionally and cook until the apples are tender but not mushy, about 8–14 minutes. Thicken the mixture with cornstarch dissolved in water, then let it cool completely.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine cinnamon graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
3. Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and spices. The result should be a silky, spiced batter.
Layering the Cheesecake
- Pour half the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust.
- Add a layer of the cooled apple filling, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheesecake batter, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
4. Baking the Cheesecake
To ensure a creamy texture and prevent cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in foil to prevent leaks, then place it in a roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Prepare the Toppings
While the cheesecake chills, prepare the crumble topping, apple topping, and salted caramel sauce:
- Crumble Topping: Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Bake until golden and crisp.
- Apple Topping: Cook apple slices with butter, spices, and brown sugar until tender, then thicken with cornstarch.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Melt sugar in a saucepan until golden, then whisk in butter and heavy cream. Finish with a pinch of sea salt.
6. Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled:
- Top it with the apple pie topping.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
Slice into portions and serve! The combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, buttery crumble, and salted caramel is absolutely divine.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Apple Filling/Topping: Can be made 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Crumble Topping: Prepare 2–3 days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and gently reheat before using.
- Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the toppings just before serving for maximum freshness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth cheesecake batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks during baking.
- Water Bath: Essential for a creamy texture and crack-free cheesecake.
- Knife Trick: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for perfect slices.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 822 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 51g
- Sugar: 63g
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a labor of love, but every step is worth it. The rich, creamy cheesecake paired with spiced apples, a buttery oat crumble, and salted caramel creates a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering, and your guests will be raving about it long after the plates are cleared.
So grab your apples and baking tools, and let’s get started on this unforgettable fall dessert!