There is something truly special about dessert that combines rich flavors and textures. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a wonderful treat that brings together the classic taste of apple pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped off with a delicious salted caramel sauce. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just to indulge yourself at home. It has a crispy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, tender apples, and sweet caramel that makes every bite a delight. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try, how to make it, and more.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to prepare Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. First and foremost, it combines two beloved desserts into one incredible dish. Apple pie has a nostalgic appeal, reminding many of family gatherings and warm, homemade treats. Cheesecake adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates any dessert experience.
Furthermore, this recipe is not overly complicated. With clear steps, even beginner bakers can feel confident tackling it. The process of making the cheesecake is rewarding, as you will see your efforts transform into a stunning dessert that impresses friends and family alike. Lastly, the salted caramel sauce is the cherry on top—not only does it add a pleasant contrast with its sweet and salty flavor, but it is also simple to make at home.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake involves several steps, but each part is easy to follow. You start with the crust, then prepare the apple filling, and finally make the cheesecake filling. Each layer adds to the overall experience of this dessert.
Ingredients
To make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter for caramel
- 1/2 cup heavy cream for caramel
- 1 tsp sea salt for caramel
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature will help bake the cheesecake evenly.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix everything well until it forms a crumbly mixture. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. This will create a solid base for your cheesecake.
Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. After baking, take it out and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, add the 3 cups of peeled and sliced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Toss the apples to ensure they are well coated with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Layer the Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In another large mixing bowl, beat 24 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until smooth. This should take a few minutes to get rid of any lumps. Next, add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help to maintain the creaminess of the mixture.
Add Flavor: After the eggs are mixed in, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated and silky.
Combine Layers: Pour the cheesecake filling over the layer of apples in the springform pan. Make sure it covers the apple layer evenly.
Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for approximately 60-70 minutes. Check the center; it should be almost set. If it jiggles a bit, that is okay—it will firm up as it cools.
Cool and Refrigerate: After baking, take the cheesecake out of the oven and let it cool completely. Then, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling is important as it helps set the cheesecake.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While your cheesecake is chilling, you can prepare the salted caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Let it melt, stirring often, until it turns amber-colored. Once it reaches this color, add in 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted.
Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while continually stirring. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up. Stir until everything is mixed well.
Finish with Sea Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 tsp of sea salt. Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before using.
Serve: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake before serving. This adds a gorgeous finish and enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
When serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, it looks beautiful displayed on a cake stand or platter. You can slice it into wedges, just like a traditional cheesecake or pie. For added flair, serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh apple slices, cinnamon, or a sprig of mint can also make delightful garnishes. The salted caramel sauce can be drizzled over each slice for an extra treat.
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect after-dinner dessert or a delightful treat for afternoon gatherings.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
To store your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, keep it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: When adding eggs to the cream cheese mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can introduce too much air, which may cause cracks.
Select the Right Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a tasty and textured filling.
Let It Chill: Be patient with the chilling time. The cheesecake needs to set properly for the best texture.
Experiment with Caramel: If you are short on time or prefer not to make the caramel from scratch, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce.
Variation (If Any)
You can switch things up by adding other flavors to your cheesecake. For example, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple layer for added crunch. Another fun variation is to mix in some spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to the apple mixture for a unique twist. You can also replace some apples with other fruits like pears, which complement caramel flavors wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling for a day as the flavors develop nicely.
How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
To help prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure you bake the cheesecake in a water bath. You can place your springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water while it bakes.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust is classic, you can use Oreo crumbs, shortbread cookies, or even a nut-based crust if you prefer. Just follow the same technique to create a base for your cheesecake.
With these details in mind, you are ready to create a delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite of your wonderful creation!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted unsalted butter to form a crumbly mixture. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture over the cooled crust.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Then add vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the apple layer in the springform pan.
- Bake the cheesecake for approximately 60-70 minutes, checking that the center is almost set.
- Cool completely after baking, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the salted caramel sauce while the cheesecake chills by melting sugar until amber-colored, then adding butter, cream, and sea salt. Mix and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake before serving.