This salted caramel apple pie cheesecake is a delicious blend of creamy cheesecake and tart apples, all topped with sweet caramel. It’s like dessert heaven in one bite!
This pie-cheesecake combo is great for sharing, but let’s be real—I often “share” just a slice or two! Bake it, slice it, and enjoy with friends or a cozy movie night. 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These create a sweet and crunchy crust. If you don’t have them, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or crushed oatmeal cookies.
Cream cheese: This gives the cheesecake its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or ricotta cheese, although the flavor may vary slightly.
Dairy options: The sour cream adds a nice tang. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you want more protein and less fat.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect for their balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also mix in other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for a unique flavor!
Salted caramel sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch. Just add a pinch of salt to mimic the homemade taste!
How Do You Prevent Cheesecake from Cracking?
Cracking can be a common issue when baking cheesecakes. Here’s how to keep yours smooth and pretty:
- **Don’t Overmix**: When adding eggs, mix just until combined to avoid too much air in the batter.
- **Water Bath**: Consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath. This helps regulate the temperature and moisture, which prevents cracking.
- **Gradual Cooling**: After baking, let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open. This will minimize temperature shock.
With these tips, you’ll have a beautiful, crack-free cheesecake ready for serving! Enjoy your baking! 🍏🍰
Delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs (or graham cracker pie crust crumbs)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Topping:
- 4 cups peeled and cored apples, chopped (good varieties: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious cheesecake will take about 30 minutes of active preparation and approximately 2 hours of baking and cooling time. Plus, it needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to chill (overnight is best!). So, plan for about 6 to 8 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for it to set up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Then, add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Add in the sugar and mix until combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream until everything is smooth. Pour this creamy filling into your cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
Place your springform pan on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit there for 1 hour. This helps prevent it from cracking as it cools. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Finally, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
4. Prepare the Apple Pie Topping:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and sprinkle on the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir everything together to coat the apples and cook for about 5-8 minutes until they’re tender but not mushy. If you’re using lemon juice and vanilla extract, stir those in as well. Remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Then, cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside for later.
6. Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:
For the caramel, take a medium saucepan and heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring continuously. Watch it closely as it melts into an amber liquid. Once melted, add the butter and stir until it’s fully combined. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring, then take it off the heat and mix in the sea salt. Allow this sauce to cool slightly.
7. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Spread the cooled apple pie topping evenly over your chilled cheesecake layer. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples. Finish by generously spooning or drizzling the salted caramel sauce over the top.
8. Final Chill and Serve:
Before you serve your decadent cheesecake, refrigerate it for at least 1 more hour. This helps the flavors meld and the topping set. When you’re ready to slice it, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and then wiped dry) for clean cuts. And feel free to drizzle some extra caramel sauce on the plated slices for that extra touch of indulgence!
Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce Instead of Making It?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works great. Just drizzle it over the top of the cheesecake before serving. You can always add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Yes, feel free to mix and match apples! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great, but you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any tart and sweet combination for a different taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it again, just slice a piece and let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
How Do I Prevent My Cheesecake from Cracking?
To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake it in a water bath, and let it cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open. These steps help keep the cheesecake smooth and even!