Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (588 grams), sliced; 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams); 1-2 tbsp apple cider or water; 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 (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 corn starch; 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)

Jump to Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about combining the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe is exactly that delight in dessert form – it’s like a big, delicious hug of fall wrapped into one stunning cake. Layers of perfectly spiced, caramelized apples nestle inside a smooth vanilla and cinnamon cheesecake filling atop a crisp cinnamon graham cracker crust. Finished with a buttery oat crumble and a luscious drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce, this dessert is nothing short of a showstopper. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a weekend treat, this recipe brings all your favorite comforting flavors together with ease and elegance.

The image shows a thick, round cheesecake on a wooden cake stand with three clear layers: a dark brown crumb crust base, a thick pale cream cheese middle, and a chunky caramelized apple topping with a golden brown crumb sprinkle covering it unevenly. A slice is being lifted with a metal cake server, revealing the layers clearly and some caramel sauce dripping. Around the cake are red apples, a glass bottle filled with milk, a jar of caramel sauce, and a white plate holding a slice of the cake with visible apple pieces and crumbs on top, all set on a rustic wooden table with a crumpled white cloth nearby, against a soft beige background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about straightforward, heartfelt ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Each component plays a key role; from the juicy apples and warm spices to the creamy cheesecake and buttery caramel, every single flavor and texture matters.

Apples: Use medium-sized, crisp apples for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in both the filling and the topping.
Salted butter: Adds richness and the perfect buttery flavor to the crust, filling, topping, and caramel sauce.
Apple cider: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle tang, enhancing the fruit’s flavor without overpowering.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice): A warm blend of spices that evoke the feeling of autumn in every bite.
Cream cheese: The soul of the cheesecake, providing a luxuriously creamy base that’s beautifully balanced by the spices.
Granulated and brown sugars: Essential for sweetness, caramelization, and adding depth to the various layers.
Old-fashioned rolled oats and flour: Create the perfect crumble topping that adds texture and contrast.
Heavy cream and sea salt: Make the salted caramel sauce silky and irresistible.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and slicing your apples to about a quarter to half an inch thick. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine the apples with salted butter, apple cider, brown sugar, and those beautiful warm spices. Stir gently as you cook for about 8 to 14 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. If your pan starts drying, just add a splash more cider or water to keep it saucy. To thicken the juices perfectly, dissolve cornstarch in water and stir in towards the end of cooking. Let this mixture cool fully before layering it in the cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F while you mix together cinnamon graham cracker crumbs and melted salted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the base and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan for that lovely crunchy foundation. Bake just 10 minutes to set it, then set aside but keep your oven ready for the cheesecake baking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Batter

Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature – this is key for a super smooth and lump-free batter. Beat the cream cheese until creamy, then add sugar, mixing well. Next, incorporate eggs one by one, followed by vanilla, cornstarch, spices, and sour cream. Mix gently until just combined to ensure a velvety texture. Your batter is now ready to build the layers.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake with a Water Bath

Pour half the batter over the pre-baked crust, then carefully spoon on the cooled apple filling in an even layer. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter, smoothing the surface gently. To bake evenly and preserve moisture, place your springform pan in a water bath: either wrap the pan in foil and nestle it in a larger pan filled with hot water or place it on a rack with a roasting pan of boiling water underneath. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven for an hour with the door cracked open before chilling it thoroughly for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Create the Oat Crumble Topping

While the cheesecake chills, heat your oven again to 350°F and prepare the crumble by mixing flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold cubed salted butter until crumbly. Bake on parchment-lined trays for about 15 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely to prep for topping.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Make the decadent salted caramel by melting granulated sugar over medium heat until a deep amber color forms. Stir in cubed butter carefully, followed by heavy cream, whisking constantly until silky smooth. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweet richness. Allow this sauce to cool before drizzling atop the finished cake.

Step 7: Prepare the Apple Pie Topping

Repeat the process of cooking sliced apples with spices, butter, cider, brown sugar, and thickener just like the filling, but slice the apples thicker (about half to three quarters inch) for a more substantial, beautiful topping mound. Let cool fully before decorating your chilled cheesecake.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Presentation makes a difference, so sprinkle the cooled oat crumble generously over the apple pie topping, then drizzle ribbons of the silky salted caramel sauce on top. For a special touch, add a few whole toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and an extra hint of warmth.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is a dessert showstopper on its own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully if you want to turn it into an indulgent platter. A hot cup of spiced chai or a crisp apple cider also complement the autumnal notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, slice the cheesecake into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards or pretty dessert plates. You can also serve mini versions in clear glasses layered with crumble, caramel, and apple pieces as parfaits for a delightful bite-sized treat. The layers and textures will wow your guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe should be tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, though it rarely lasts that long because it’s just that good!

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake whole or in slices, wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since cheesecake is best served chilled, avoid reheating. If you want to warm the apple topping slightly, gently microwave a small portion separately before adding it to your slice. This way, the caramel and crumble stay delightful and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples that hold their shape like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. You can even mix varieties for a more complex flavor and texture.

Do I really need to use a water bath for baking?

Yes, a water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracks by maintaining moisture in the oven. It results in a smooth, creamy texture you want in a cheesecake.

Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free or vegan?

While this recipe relies heavily on cream cheese, butter, and sour cream, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ from the traditional version.

How far ahead can I make the components like the caramel and crumble?

You can prepare the caramel sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The crumble topping can be made and stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, making this dessert perfect for spreading out prep time.

Why does the cheesecake have a slight wobble when done baking?

A slight wobble is a sign that the cheesecake is perfectly baked; it will set completely as it cools in the open oven and later in the fridge, resulting in a creamy rather than rubbery texture.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and packed with classic fall flavors. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite go-to dessert that wows every single time!