Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

The Ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy cheesecake meets classic salted caramel apple pie in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet apples and rich caramel create a mesmerizing flavor combination that melts in your mouth.

Soft cream cheese provides a luxurious base for this decadent treat.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a delightful twist on traditional desserts.

Warm spices dance alongside smooth caramel, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Layers of texture and taste make this recipe a standout centerpiece for any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist cutting into this magnificent dessert that celebrates autumn’s most beloved flavors.

What’s So Special About Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

  • Unlock Incredible Flavor Complexity: Layers of spiced apples nestled in creamy cheesecake create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate with every single bite.
  • Master Bakery-Level Technique: This recipe transforms home cooking into an artistic experience, allowing you to craft a professional-grade dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet pastry shop.
  • Perfect for Seasonal Celebrations: Capturing the essence of autumn with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel, this dessert becomes an instant crowd-pleaser for gatherings, holidays, and special family moments.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding nuts, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with different apple varieties to match your unique taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crust: A classic, buttery base that provides a crisp and sweet foundation for the cheesecake.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy, rich core that gives the cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a silky, custard-like consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a super creamy and tender cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
For the Apple Topping and Spices:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the cheesecake.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple's flavor and create a cozy autumn feel.
For the Caramel Sauce:
  • Granulated Sugar: The base for creating a rich, golden caramel.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel sauce.
  • Butter: Contributes a luxurious, velvety texture to the caramel.
  • Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and adds depth to the caramel flavor.

Steps To Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 325°F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and coat its sides generously with butter or cooking spray. Cut a circle of parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crust Foundation

Press the pie crust evenly into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom smoothly and climbs slightly up the sides. Use your fingers to create a uniform layer that will hold the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes super smooth and fluffy. Blend in the following ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Mix until the filling becomes silky and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Layer

Wash and carefully slice apples into thin, elegant wedges. Toss the apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon to boost their natural flavor and add a warm, aromatic touch.

Step 5: Arrange Apple Slices

Gently place the cinnamon-kissed apple slices across the cream cheese base. Let them partially sink into the creamy mixture, creating a beautiful layered effect.

Step 6: Craft the Caramel Sauce

Heat granulated sugar in a heavy pan until it transforms into a deep amber color. Carefully whisk in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Sea salt

Stir until you create a glossy, rich caramel sauce.

Step 7: Drizzle Caramel Magic

Pour the warm caramel sauce over the apple-topped cheesecake. Create swirling patterns that add golden rivers of sweetness across the surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cheesecake into the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for a slight wobble in the center and golden-brown edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Release the springform pan. Add an extra drizzle of caramel on top. Slice into gorgeous wedges that reveal the beautiful layers of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples.

Tips That Help With Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

  • Slice Apples with Precision: Cut uniform, thin wedges to ensure even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Prebake the crust for 10 minutes to create a barrier against moisture from the apple and cream cheese layers.
  • Temper Cream Cheese Perfectly: Bring cream cheese to room temperature and beat until smooth to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
  • Control Caramel Consistency: Watch sugar carefully while caramelizing and remove from heat immediately to prevent burning, creating a smooth, golden sauce.
  • Chill for Optimal Texture: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set properly and enhance flavor melding.

Tasty Twists For Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly cheesecake that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, replace eggs with flax eggs, and opt for plant-based butter in caramel sauce to create a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use tart green apples for natural sweetness, and create a lighter caramel sauce using sugar-free syrup and coconut cream for diabetic-friendly indulgence.

Great Pairings For Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

  • Elevate Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pairings
  • Uncork Bold Red Wine: Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich caramel and spiced apple notes, balancing the dessert's sweetness with their robust tannins.
  • Brew Complementary Coffee: Select a medium-roast Colombian or Guatemalan coffee with hints of chocolate and nuts to enhance the cheesecake's warm spices and creamy texture.
  • Match with Craft Spirits: Serve alongside aged bourbon or spiced rum, which mirror the dessert's caramel undertones and provide a warming, complex alcohol backdrop.
  • Create Textural Contrast: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to introduce a cool, smooth element that cuts through the cheesecake's dense richness.

How To Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Right

  • Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cheesecake fresh and preventing it from absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost slowly and evenly without compromising its creamy consistency.
  • Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, or briefly microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds to restore its soft, luscious texture without overcooking.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Common Questions

  • How do I know if my cheesecake is fully baked?

Look for a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken and golden edges. The center should be almost set but still have a subtle wobble, which indicates it’s perfectly cooked without being overdone.

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Granny Smith offers tartness, Honeycrisp provides sweetness, and Braeburn gives a balanced flavor. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.

  • Why does my caramel sauce sometimes crystallize?

Sugar can crystallize if you stir too much during caramelization. Instead, gently swirl the pan and avoid using a metal utensil. Keep heat medium-low and watch carefully to prevent burning.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours (including cooling and refrigeration)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent salted caramel apple pie cheesecake blends creamy cheesecake with classic apple pie flavors. Warm spices and rich caramel create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs cream cheese
  • 4 large apples
  • 1 pie crust
  • 4 eggs

Caramel Components:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tbsp sea salt

Baking Enhancers:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by generously greasing the sides and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Craft the pie crust foundation by pressing it evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring a smooth, uniform base that reaches slightly up the sides.
  3. Create the luscious cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, brown sugar, flour, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
  4. Meticulously slice apples into thin, uniform wedges, tossing them with a light dusting of cinnamon to enhance their natural sweetness and aromatic profile.
  5. Arrange the spiced apple slices in an artistic pattern across the cream cheese base, allowing them to partially sink into the creamy mixture.
  6. Construct the caramel sauce by carefully caramelizing granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches a deep amber color, then gently whisk in heavy cream, butter, and sea salt to create a rich, glossy drizzle.
  7. Generously cascade the warm caramel sauce over the apple-topped cheesecake, creating intricate swirls and pools of golden sweetness.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center and golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set completely.
  10. Before serving, release the springform pan, garnish with additional caramel drizzle, and slice into decadent wedges that showcase the beautiful layers of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples.

Notes

  • Select apples with a firm texture like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain structure and prevent soggy cheesecake base during baking.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing ingredients and using room temperature cream cheese for smoother integration.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by toasting nuts like pecans or walnuts and sprinkling them over the caramel drizzle for added crunch and depth.
  • Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust foundation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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