Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Indulge in Cozy Comfort: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin to twirl gracefully from their branches, I find myself longing for the warm, spicy embrace of a home-baked dessert. Isn’t there something magical about cozying up with a slice of cheesecake that celebrates the flavors of the season? Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake recipe with you. It’s the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and a drizzle of golden, salted caramel that dances on your taste buds. This is a dessert you’ll want to savor at your next gathering or perhaps even on a quiet evening, wrapped up in your favorite blanket. This delectable creation is not just another sweet treat; it’s an invitation to cherish the sweet and salty moments of life. So, grab your apron and join me in crafting this dreamy cheesecake; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Creamy: The rich cream cheese base creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, making it a splendid choice for a creamy fall dessert.
• Seasonal Flavors: Infused with warm spices and crisp apples, this cheesecake captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Decadent Topping: The salted caramel sauce elevates this dessert to new heights, adding a delightful sweetness balanced with a hint of sea salt.
• Perfectly Balanced: The combination of a spiced apple filling with the richness of cheesecake results in a satisfying and harmonious flavor experience.
• Satisfies a Crowd: This cheesecake is sure to be a hit at family gatherings or holiday parties, leaving everyone wishing for seconds.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake:

• 4 medium apples (588 grams sliced)
• 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
• 1-2 tbsp apple cider
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
• 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1-2 tsp lemon juice (to taste)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp water
• 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)
• 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (use the full-fat, block style)
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams)
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (48 grams)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp, or 57 grams)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

Let’s Make It Together

Prep

1. Plan Ahead: Before diving into the recipe, read through all the steps to ensure you have everything ready. This recipe has several components, but you can break it into manageable tasks over a day or two.

Make the Apple Filling

2. Slice Apples: Peel and slice your apples into pieces between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
3. Cook Apples: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine the sliced apples, butter, apple cider, brown sugar, and spices. Cook for about 8-14 minutes, stirring gently, until tender.
4. Thicken: If the filling is too watery, mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and stir this into the apple mixture over medium heat for about a minute until thickened.
5. Cool: Transfer the apple mixture to a bowl and let it cool, or refrigerate if you’re making this ahead.

Make the Crust

6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350° F.
7. Prepare Pan: Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and ensure it’s secure.
8. Mix Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
9. Bake: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside while keeping the oven on.

Make the Cheesecake

10. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
11. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy (1-2 minutes).
12. Add Sugar: Gradually mix in the granulated sugar until fully incorporated.
13. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed until just combined.
14. Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, cornstarch, and spices until smooth.
15. Layer Filling: Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust, then evenly spoon the prepared apple filling over it. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.

Prep Water Bath

16. Prepare for Baking: Place a large pot of water on the stove to boil; this will be your water bath.
17. Bake Cheesecake: Set the cheesecake in the oven and place a roasting pan below it. Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan to create a steamy environment for even baking.
18. Check for Doneness: Bake for 1 hour and 30 to 1 hour and 50 minutes. The center should look slightly wobbly but set, around 150 to 155°F.

Cool & Chill

19. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour.
20. Chill: Once cooled, transfer to a wire rack, then refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

Make the Toppings

21. Crumble Topping: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Bake the crumble for about 12-20 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden. Let cool.
22. Make Salted Caramel Sauce: Use my 10-minute Salted Caramel Sauce recipe and let it cool before drizzling over your cheesecake.
23. Apple Pie Topping: Repeat the apple filling process for a topping if desired; slice apples thicker (1/2 to 3/4 inch) and cool as instructed.

Serve + Store

24. Assemble: Top the chilled cheesecake with the apple pie filling, then sprinkle with crumble topping and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
25. Slice & Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake, serve, and revel in the comforting flavors.

Variations & Creative Twists

• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra texture.
• Spiced Pear: Switch out half the apples for pears for a delightful twist on flavor.
• Caramel Swirl: Swirl some of the salted caramel into the cheesecake filling before baking for bursts of flavor.
• Creamy Pumpkin: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree to your cheesecake batter for a seasonal spin.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prep the apple filling up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The caramel sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance.
• Perfect Slices: Warm your knife slightly before slicing to achieve clean, beautiful pieces.
• Cool Completely: Always let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before chilling to prevent condensation inside the wrap.

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fat: 27g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The cheesecake can be made a day in advance and the toppings prepared ahead too.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to substitute apples with pears or other fruits, and use gluten-free graham crackers if needed.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How long does it last?
Properly stored, the cheesecake will last about 4-5 days in the fridge, though I doubt it will last that long once everyone gets a taste!

Wrapping It Up

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake envelops you in warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of carefree days spent with loved ones, and cozy evenings spent together by the fire. With its luscious layers and delightful textures, it also becomes an instant family favorite, perfect for autumn celebrations or any gathering. Save this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake to your cozy dessert board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Enjoy every bite and share the cozy love!