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
Units
Scale
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