Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to celebrate the fall season, let me introduce you to my beloved Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake! This delightful treat combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the warm flavors of a classic apple pie. With layers of caramelized apples and a buttery oat crumble, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to indulge on a cozy weeknight, this dessert is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe special is its ease and versatility. You can prepare many elements ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the moments with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Trust me; once you taste that creamy filling paired with spiced apples and salted caramel, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, spices, and caramelized apples creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Easy Preparation: No complicated pie crusts here! The graham cracker crust makes assembly quick and easy.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love this dessert; it’s a hit for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Many components can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday night, this cheesecake fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather the following:

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples (588 grams sliced)
• 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
• 1-2 tbsp apple cider
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
• 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

For the Crust

• 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (full-fat block style)
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams)

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (48 grams)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp or 57 grams)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added crunch.
• Use Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles—Granny Smiths for tartness or Fuji for sweetness!
• Swap Sweeteners: Try using maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Incorporate Spices: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to give an extra layer of warmth to the filling.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep

Before diving in, take a moment to read through this recipe entirely. This way, you’ll ensure you have everything ready and organized. Some parts can be made ahead of time if you’d like!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and slicing your apples into thick pieces—about ¼ to ½ inch should do nicely. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all your apple filling ingredients. Cook them gently until they soften—this usually takes about 8-14 minutes. If things get too dry while cooking, feel free to add a splash more cider or water! Once they’re tender enough for your liking, thicken the juices as needed by mixing cornstarch with water before adding it back into the pan.

Step 3: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. In a bowl, stir together your crust ingredients until well combined; then press it firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your prepared pan. Bake this beauty for about 10 minutes before setting aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Now it’s time for that luscious filling! Remember that all ingredients should be at room temperature for smooth blending. Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until creamy—this will take about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add in your sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Next comes adding eggs one at a time while mixing on medium speed after each addition. Finally, toss in vanilla extract and other delicious spices before layering half this mixture over your baked crust!

Step 5: Layer Your Apple Filling

Spoon your cooled apple filling evenly over the first layer of cheesecake batter before pouring on the remaining batter on top. Smooth it out gently with an offset spatula—it doesn’t have to be perfect; those apple chunks peeking through will add charm!

Step 6: Prep Water Bath

To keep our cheesecake creamy during baking, we need a water bath! Place your springform pan on an oven rack positioned in the center while preparing a large roasting pan below it filled with boiling water—this helps maintain even heat throughout.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your cheesecake between 90 minutes and two hours depending on how set you want it! Keep an eye on its edges—they should look slightly raised while still having that lovely wobble in the middle when done.

Step 8: Cool & Chill

Once baked perfectly, turn off your oven but leave that door cracked open for about an hour before removing it from heat completely! Letting it cool gradually helps prevent cracks from forming later.

Step 9: Make Crumble Topping

While waiting for cooling magic happens—let’s whip up our crumble! Preheat another oven batch up again at 350°F while whisking together oats along with flour mixture plus brown sugar & spices. Cut cold butter into small chunks then blend everything together until crumbly goodness forms! Spread out evenly onto lined parchment sheets baking until golden brown perfection shows up after about fifteen minutes.

Step 10: Make Salted Caramel Sauce

Now onto my favorite part—the salted caramel sauce! Follow my quick recipe which involves melting down sugar till golden brown before stirring in butter & cream carefully until smooth—it’s heavenly drizzled atop any dessert!

Step 11: Prepare Apple Pie Topping

Using leftover apples? Let’s make something deliciously sweet out them too! Just slice them like before adding all necessary fillings again into another saucepan heating through till soft but not mushy; then transfer cooled mixture back into bowl once done.

Step 12: Serve + Store

Top off each slice generously with those lovely apple toppings alongside crumbles followed by drizzling some caramel sauce over each piece too—slice away & enjoy every bite!

With these steps outlined clearly—and trust me they are easier than they seem—you’ll soon have this impressive dessert ready just waiting around tempting anyone who enters your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Creating this delightful dessert may take some time, but with a few tips, you’ll be on your way to impressing everyone with your baking skills!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture in the cheesecake filling. Cold ingredients can result in lumps that won’t blend smoothly.

• Don’t Skip the Water Bath: This technique is crucial for even baking and prevents cracks on the surface of your cheesecake. The steam helps maintain moisture and keeps the cheesecake creamy.

• Cool Gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to cool inside the oven after baking helps prevent sudden temperature changes, which can lead to cracking. It’s worth the wait for that perfect slice!

• Chill Before Serving: For best results, chill your cheesecake overnight. This allows flavors to meld and gives the cheesecake a firmer texture, making it easier to slice and serve.

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar levels in both the apple filling and the caramel sauce according to your preference. This flexibility lets you customize sweetness for your guests or family members!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake can be just as enjoyable as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate its beauty and flavor.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A light dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a fresh touch and pairs beautifully with the rich cheesecake.
• Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add crunch and complement the flavors of apple and caramel.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top creates a lovely aroma that enhances the fall-inspired theme.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast that balances the richness of the cheesecake.
• Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea complements the autumn spices in your dessert, creating a cozy experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a bright counterpoint to the dense cheesecake.
• Caramel Drizzle Popcorn: Sweet, crunchy popcorn drizzled with caramel makes for a fun side treat that echoes the flavors in your dessert.

Enjoy your creation! Each slice will surely bring smiles around the table during those cozy gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor every bite without the last-minute rush! You can easily prepare components in advance, making it a stress-free dessert for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best texture, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• While it’s best served chilled, if you prefer it warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture of the cheesecake.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delectable dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the apple filling, salted caramel sauce, and crumble topping a day or two in advance. Just assemble before serving!

What types of apples work best for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake?

For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination gives your cheesecake a delightful balance!

How long does Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, your cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute anything in the recipe?

Yes! If you need a non-dairy option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Just ensure it’s similar in consistency for best results.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to create this show-stopping Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake! It combines all the cozy flavors of fall into one delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every step of making it and don’t forget to share how yours turns out! Happy baking!