Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake topped with caramel sauce and apples

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

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introduction

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake mixes apple pie, cheesecake, and a salty caramel sauce. It has a crunchy graham crust, a layer of spiced apples, a smooth cream cheese filling, and warm salted caramel on top. It is rich, sweet, and great for a special dessert.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want a dessert that wow guests. It combines familiar flavors—apple pie and cheesecake—so most people love it. You can make it ahead and chill it, so it is easy to serve at parties or holiday meals.

how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix the crust: stir graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mix into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes then cool.
  3. Prepare apples: toss peeled, sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spread the apples evenly over the cooled crust.
  4. Make cheesecake filling: beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
  5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the apple layer in the pan.
  6. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the center is almost set (it will still have slight wobble). Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Chill in the fridge at least 4 hours, better overnight.
  7. Make salted caramel sauce: heat 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Add 6 tbsp butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp sea salt. Let the sauce cool a bit.
  8. Before serving, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.

Ingredients :

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
  • 1 tsp sea salt (for caramel)

how to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Slice with a hot, clean knife for neat pieces. Serve chilled. Add extra caramel on top if you like. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well.

how to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Cover the cheesecake in the fridge. It keeps well for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

  • Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Don’t overmix after adding eggs to avoid air bubbles.
  • Bake until the center is almost set; it will firm up while chilling.
  • Cool completely before refrigerating to avoid cracks.
  • Watch the caramel closely; sugar can burn fast. Stir as you add butter and cream.

variation (if any)

  • Add chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch.
  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more flavor.
  • Swap the graham crust for a shortbread or gingersnap crust for a spicier base.
  • Make individual mini cheesecakes in a muffin pan for single servings.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes. Store-bought sauce saves time. Warm it slightly before drizzling.

Q: Do I need a water bath for baking?
A: This recipe does not require a water bath. Bake at a low temperature and avoid overbaking for a smooth texture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can bake and chill it a day or two before serving. Reheat caramel slightly if you want it pourable.

Q: What apples work best?
A: Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and taste great.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Bake the crust 10 minutes before adding apples. Let it cool so it stays firmer under the filling.

Conclusion

For a make-ahead mini version that uses similar flavors, check this salted caramel apple pie cheesecake (make-ahead!) – Blue Bowl. If you want another full-size caramel apple cheesecake idea, see Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie – Sally’s Baking Addiction. For a tested recipe with tips and photos, try Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie – Brown Eyed Baker.