Description
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion dessert — creamy cheesecake layered with spiced apples, buttery graham crust, and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet-salty perfection. Follow these 9 expert tips to achieve a bakery-worthy masterpiece every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for topping)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1 – Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press into a springform pan and bake for 8 minutes at 350°F.
- Step 2 – Cook the Apples: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until soft. Let cool.
- Step 3 – Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 4 – Layer: Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the crust, add apple layer, drizzle caramel, and top with remaining cheesecake mixture.
- Step 5 – Bake: Bake in a water bath at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Step 6 – Chill: Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 7 – Top & Serve: Before serving, drizzle with extra caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
Notes
- Tip #1: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Tip #2: Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly.
- Tip #3: Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks.
- Tip #4: Don’t overmix once eggs are added—this avoids air bubbles.
- Tip #5: Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent sinking.
- Tip #6: Add a dash of lemon juice to apples for brightness.
- Tip #7: Use homemade caramel for rich, buttery depth.
- Tip #8: Chill overnight for the best set and flavor meld.
- Tip #9: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before serving for that irresistible contrast!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: salted caramel cheesecake, apple pie cheesecake, fall desserts, caramel apple dessert, holiday cheesecake