Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

If ever a dessert screamed fall comfort and show-stopping indulgence, it’s this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Imagine the best parts of a spiced apple pie and the creamiest cheesecake you’ve had, all crowned with buttery crumble and ribbons of homemade salted caramel. Every forkful is a swirl of cinnamon, creamy cheesecake, sweet-tart apples, and a hint of salt. It’s an irresistible dessert you’ll want to make on repeat—especially for the holidays or any time you want to wow a crowd!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe may look a little involved at first, but each ingredient brings something truly magical—whether it’s the creaminess of full-fat cream cheese, the deep spice of cinnamon, or tart apples that soften to perfection. Here’s what you need to create Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake at home.

• Apples: Go for a tart, firm apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance against the caramel and cheesecake.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness to both the apple mixture and caramel, and the hint of salt ties all the flavors together.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar brings warmth to the apples and crumble, while granulated sugar ensures a silky cheesecake and smooth caramel.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice: These spices create the unmistakable apple pie aroma and cozy flavor throughout the cake.
• Lemon Juice: Just a little brightens the apple filling and intensifies the fruitiness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens your apple layers so everything holds together beautifully.
• Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crumbs: The spicy, crunchy base—use store-bought or blitz your own with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Cream Cheese, Full-Fat and Block Style: Don’t skimp here! You want that classic, dense, ultra-creamy cheesecake texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra silkiness to your cheesecake layer.
• Eggs: Bind the cheesecake for the perfect sliceable consistency.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats & All-Purpose Flour: For a toasty, homemade crumble topping.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for making that dreamy, pourable salted caramel sauce.
• Flaky Sea Salt: The final flourish that turns good caramel into salted caramel.

Variations

The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to put your own spin on things—just a few little tweaks can totally change the flavor or suit your needs. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers and oats for the crust and crumble so everyone can enjoy a slice!
• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra flavor and texture.
• Spiked Caramel: Stir a splash of bourbon or spiced rum into your caramel sauce to make it perfect for adults-only gatherings.
• Portable Jars: Layer the components into mason jars for adorable, individually portioned desserts—no slicing required.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and slicing your apples—a tart, firm variety will hold up best during cooking. Melt the salted butter over medium-high heat, then toss in your apple slices with brown sugar, spices, lemon juice, and a splash of cider or water. Cook, stirring lazily, until the apples are tender and glossy, making sure to add more liquid if the pan gets dry. When they’re just softened, thicken the juices with your cornstarch slurry so the filling holds up when layered in the cheesecake. Let it cool completely before using—you can pop it into the fridge if you’re making it ahead.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Combine your cinnamon graham cracker crumbs and melted salted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your pan to form a sturdy base and bake for about 10 minutes. This gives you a beautifully toasty crust that holds up under the luscious cheesecake layers.

Step 3: Mix and Assemble the Cheesecake

Let all your dairy and eggs come to room temperature for the dreamiest, crack-free cheesecake. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until super smooth, add the sugar, then the eggs one at a time—mixing gently so you don’t whip in too much air. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and your spices until just combined. Pour half of this luscious batter over your baked crust, gently spoon the cooled apple filling over top, then finish with the remaining cheesecake batter. Smooth it out and get ready for the next step.

Step 4: The Water Bath Bake

Bake your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake using a water bath for that coveted creamy texture. Place your cheesecake pan on a rack in the oven and a roasting pan filled with boiling water underneath (or, for extra insurance, wrap your springform in foil and place it inside another cake pan inside the water bath). This helps the cheesecake bake more gently and evenly—no cracks or dry edges! Bake until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, then turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool slowly for a perfectly smooth top.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) before topping and serving. This rest time not only makes for neater slices but also allows all those layers—spiced apple, creamy cheesecake, crunchy crust—to meld together in irresistible harmony.

Step 6: Prepare the Crumble and Salted Caramel Sauce

While your cheesecake bakes and cools, whip up the buttery oat crumble and homemade salted caramel sauce. For the crumble, cut the cold butter into the oat, flour, and sugar mixture until you get big, clumpy crumbs, then bake them until golden brown. For the caramel, cook sugar until melted and amber, stir in salted butter and heavy cream (carefully—it’ll bubble!), then finish with a pinch of sea salt. Let them both cool until ready to use.

Step 7: Finish with Spiced Apple Topping, Crumble, and Sauce

Simmer your final batch of apple slices just like before, but this time leave them a bit thicker for a showstopping mound on top. Once your cheesecake is fully chilled and unmolded, spoon on the apple topping, scatter generously with the crumble, and drizzle (or drench!) with salted caramel sauce. Time to slice and savor your masterpiece.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Garnishes

Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake looks absolutely gorgeous topped simply with extra caramel sauce and a touch of flaky sea salt. For a bakery-worthy finish, add a flourish of whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts. If you want to go above and beyond, set aside a few ultra-thin apple slices and fan them out on top for a fresh touch.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is a true headliner, but a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or cinnamon-spiked apple cider makes every slice even more decadent. If you’re serving it at a dinner party, a simple green salad beforehand keeps things balanced and lets dessert truly shine at the end.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring out your inner pastry chef and slice the cheesecake into skinny bars or cubes for a dessert platter. For holiday parties, layer the components into shot glasses or mason jars—crust, cheesecake, apples, crumble, and caramel. Or, do a “build-your-own” cheesecake bar, letting guests pick their own topping combinations and drizzle amount for a fun, interactive dessert experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay perfectly fresh and delicious for 4–5 days—just be sure to keep it tightly wrapped or sealed in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any stray fridge odors.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake (without the apple topping and crumble for best results). Once your cheesecake is fully chilled and set, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh toppings before serving to keep everything vibrant and crisp.

Reheating

For that “fresh from the oven” taste, serve individual slices at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you want a just-melted caramel drizzle on top. Be careful not to overheat or the creamy texture will be lost—it’s delicious chilled, too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that brings together the coziness of apple pie and the pure decadence of cheesecake, this is it. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is an absolute celebration treat—sure to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a forkful. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every magical, cinnamon-kissed bite!

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