Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this Caramel Apple Cheesecake! It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone who appreciates a perfect medley of flavors and textures: think buttery graham cracker crust, baked spiced apples, velvety cheesecake filling, and ribbons of glossy caramel sauce. Whether you bring this stunner to your next gathering or treat your family for a special weekend delight, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake is sure to steal the spotlight and turn any day into a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this Caramel Apple Cheesecake is thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, creaminess, and crunch. Pick the freshest apples you can find and don’t be shy about quality caramel; each ingredient comes together for a lush, crowd-pleasing treat.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic foundation that adds a toasty, buttery base.
- Melted butter: Binds the crust and gives it a luxurious flavor.
- Brown sugar: Infuses a deep, caramel-like sweetness into the crust and apple layer.
- Large apples (peeled and diced): Tart apples like Granny Smith offer the best contrast to the rich filling, but any firm baking apple will shine.
- Butter (for apples): Helps the apples soften and glaze beautifully during cooking.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy note every apple dessert needs.
- Nutmeg: A touch elevates the apple filling for extra coziness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of any cheesecake—make sure it’s at room temperature for maximum smoothness.
- Granulated sugar: Keeps the cheesecake layer perfectly sweet without overpowering the apples or caramel.
- Sour cream: Adds creamy tang that balances out the overall richness.
- Vanilla extract: A classic that lifts all the flavors.
- Large eggs: Gives the cheesecake its lush, custardy structure—add them one by one for the silkiest batter.
- Thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The luscious crowning glory; salted caramel is especially wonderful here.
- All-purpose flour (for crumble, optional): For a delicious crunchy finish if you opt for the crumble topping.
- Brown sugar (for crumble, optional): Adds a lovely chewy bite to the crumble.
- Cinnamon (for crumble, optional): Boosts that cozy, autumnal aroma even further.
- Cold butter (for crumble, optional): Rubbing it in forms those irresistible, toasty nuggets of topping.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a couple spoonfuls of brown sugar in a bowl—mix until it feels like slightly damp sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan, going just slightly up the sides for a sturdy edge. Pop this into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until set. Let it cool while you prepare the rest; this helps keep the crust crisp when the filling goes in.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring often, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the apples are just tender and glossy but not falling apart—they’re going to bake a bit more in the cheesecake. Set them aside to cool to room temperature before building your cheesecake layers.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Batter
With a hand or stand mixer, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s totally smooth and lump-free. Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing again until everything looks creamy. Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping down the bowl after each—this creates an airy, luscious batter that bakes up silky and dense, just as a Caramel Apple Cheesecake should.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour half the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Spoon half the apple filling over that, then lightly drizzle with about a third of your caramel sauce (just enough to streak the layer with sweet goodness). Repeat the process with the remaining cheesecake batter and apple filling, then finish with another generous caramel drizzle. This layering delivers gorgeous ribbons of apple and caramel throughout each slice.
Step 5: Add the Crumble (Optional)
For an irresistible bakery-style finish, quickly mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then cut in the cold cubed butter with a fork or your fingers until you have crumbly clumps. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top of your cheesecake before baking for sweet, toasty contrast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Set your springform pan in a larger baking pan, then pour hot water around it to create a water bath—this gently bakes the cheesecake and prevents cracks. Bake at 325°F for 60 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles just a bit. When done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour, then chill it overnight. This slow cooling keeps it ultra-smooth.
Step 7: Finish with Caramel and Garnishes
Right before serving, pour a thick, shiny layer of caramel sauce over the top of your chilled cheesecake. Feel free to add extra apple slices, a scattering of crumble, or even a little sea salt if you like! This final flourish makes your Caramel Apple Cheesecake sheer dessert magic.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Garnishes
Take your Caramel Apple Cheesecake over the top with a few thoughtful garnishes: a drizzle of extra warm caramel, a sprinkle of toasted nuts (pecans or walnuts are lovely), or a cloud of whipped cream. Slices of fresh apple look beautiful and give a crisp pop against all that richness.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and let the cheesecake shine! If you want to add something on the side, offer a cup of strong coffee or cinnamon-laced chai—these help cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also double up on the indulgence for true dessert fans.
Creative Ways to Present
While slicing traditional wedges is always crowd-pleasing, you can also serve mini Caramel Apple Cheesecake bites using a mini cheesecake pan or muffin tin for parties. For special occasions, stack thin slices with caramel and apple filling in between for a gorgeous parfait effect—or serve deconstructed in jars for a fun, modern spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Caramel Apple Cheesecake actually gets better as it sits—the flavors meld and the texture settles into dreamy creaminess. Simply cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 or 5 days (if they last that long!).
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the fully cooled and un-topped cheesecake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for added protection. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then finish with caramel and garnishes just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
While Caramel Apple Cheesecake is almost always served chilled, if you love it ever-so-slightly warm, place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate and zap it for 10-15 seconds. Any longer and the texture may start to soften too much, so err on the side of caution!
FAQs
Can I use a different crust for this cheesecake?
Absolutely! While graham cracker is classic, you could swap in crushed gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread for a different twist that pairs perfectly with caramel and apple.
What are the best apples for Caramel Apple Cheesecake?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith are a superstar here because they hold their shape and offer a tangy contrast to the creamy, sweet filling. However, Honeycrisp or Braeburn work nicely too if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make Caramel Apple Cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust, and substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the crumble. Be sure to double-check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free too.
Is a water bath really necessary?
While not strictly mandatory, baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps it bake evenly and keeps the top from cracking. It’s especially helpful with layered recipes like this one, and worth the extra step!
How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?
Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake is ready when the edges are set and the center wobbles just a little when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so resist over-baking for the smoothest result.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is pure comfort and celebration wrapped in one dreamy dessert. Don’t hesitate to give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how simple, stunning, and satisfying it is to make and share. Your friends and family will be coming back for seconds, guaranteed!
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight
- Yield: 1 9-inch cheesecake 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A show-stopping layered cheesecake featuring a baked apple filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and a decadent caramel topping. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and brown sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a skillet, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender. Cool before layering.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix in eggs one at a time.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over crust. Spoon half of the apple mixture, then drizzle with caramel. Repeat with remaining cheesecake, apple filling, and another caramel drizzle.
- Crumble Topping (Optional): Combine crumble topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Bake: Bake in a water bath at 325°F for 60–70 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Chill overnight.
- Final Caramel Layer: Before serving, pour a thick layer of caramel sauce over the top and garnish with more apples or crumble if desired.
Notes
- Let cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracks.
- Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for balance.
- Thick homemade or salted caramel adds amazing flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *