Are you ready for a delicious dessert that will wow your friends and family? This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the best of two beloved treats—apple pie and cheesecake! Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress. The creamy cheesecake pairs beautifully with sweet, spiced apples, and the salted caramel adds a delightful finish. Even better, you can prep parts in advance to make the day a little easier. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe that blends tradition and indulgence! 🍏🍰
why make this recipe
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a showstopper! It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors. You’ll love how the soft, spiced apples combine with the smooth cheesecake and crunchy crumble topping. Plus, the homemade salted caramel adds a sweet touch that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, making it a delightful centerpiece at your next family dinner or holiday celebration.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 12
how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, sliced
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1-2 tbsp apple juice
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice (to taste)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
- 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 tsp corn starch
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
- pinch of flaky sea salt
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish
Directions
Prep: Read through the recipe before you begin. You can break this down into multiple days if it helps!
Make the Apple Filling: Peel and slice your apples about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Add apples, butter, apple juice, brown sugar, and spices to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender. If the mixture gets too dry, add a splash of apple juice or water. If it needs thickening, mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and stir in. Remove from heat and let cool in a bowl. 🍏
Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Mix crust ingredients and press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Make the Cheesecake: Let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla, corn starch, sour cream, and spices. Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust, then spread the apple filling on top, and finish with the remaining batter.
Prep Water Bath: Place the cheesecake pan in the center of the oven with a roasting pan beneath it. Boil water on the stove and pour it into the roasting pan to create a water bath. This prevents the cheesecake from cracking.
Bake: Bake for 1 hour and 30 to 1 hour and 50 minutes, or until the edges are set with a slight wobble in the center. When it’s done, turn off the oven and crack the door for 1 hour to cool.
Cool & Chill: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to a day before serving.
Make Crumble Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Spread on a pan and bake for 12-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool completely.
Make Salted Caramel Sauce: Follow a simple caramel sauce recipe, then let cool.
Make Apple Pie Topping: Repeat the filling process for the apple pie topping.
Serve + Store: Top the cheesecake with apple pie topping, crumble, and a drizzle of caramel. Slice and enjoy!
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Apple filling and topping can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- The caramel sauce keeps well in a mason jar for 5 days.
- The crumble can be prepared 2-3 days ahead.
how to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! You can also drizzle more caramel sauce on top for a delightful finish.
how to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days.
💡 Pro Tips
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best cheesecake texture.
- You can make the apple filling and crumble in advance to save time on the big day.
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure a creamy texture for the cheesecake.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or more flaky sea salt for a beautiful presentation.
variation
You can easily swap the apples for pears or a mix for a fun twist on the classic flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Any sweet-tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well in this recipe.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake! Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
4. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
While a springform pan is ideal, you can also use a regular pie dish, but be careful when removing the cheesecake for serving.
