Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is one of those desserts that perfectly combines everything we love about fall. It takes the comfort of warm spiced apples, the richness of creamy cheesecake, and the indulgence of salted caramel, bringing them together into one decadent dessert. Every bite offers a smooth and velvety texture from the cheesecake layer, a tender sweetness from the apple pie filling, and that irresistible salty caramel drizzle that ties it all together. The buttery crust gives it structure and balance, making each layer distinct yet harmonious.

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What makes this dessert special is how it captures both comfort and elegance in one bite. It’s not just a cheesecake; it’s a multi-layered experience of texture and flavor crisp crust, creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and tender apples. It’s a dessert that feels festive enough for holidays like Thanksgiving, yet simple enough for weekend baking. If you love Apple Pie Cheesecake, Caramel Apple Pie, or the cozy flavors of How Sweet Eats fall recipes, you’ll adore this version. It’s the ultimate combination of apple spice cheesecake and cheesecake caramel apple bliss, made for sharing and savoring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fall Dessert: Combines apple pie, cheesecake, and salted caramel into one show-stopping dessert ideal for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving.
Incredible Texture: Layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, soft spiced apples, and silky caramel offer a balance of crunch, creaminess, and richness.
Customizable: You can adjust the caramel intensity, the spice level, or even swap apples for pears to make it your own signature dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking schedules.
Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re serving family, friends, or guests, this dessert always stands out it looks impressive but tastes even better.
Easy to Prepare: Though it looks luxurious, every step is straightforward, even for beginner bakers. With clear instructions and the right timing, success is guaranteed.
Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert ideas, fall sweet treats, and cheesecakes for Thanksgiving, yet delicious year-round.
Balanced Flavor: The salt in the caramel brings out the sweetness of the apples and cheesecake, preventing it from being overly sweet.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling and Chilling Time: 4 hours minimum (preferably overnight)
Total Time: About 5 hours 40 minutes
Serving: Makes 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons melted butter

For the Cheesecake Layer

24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Apple Pie Filling

3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream, warm
½ teaspoon sea salt

Substitution Notes

You can use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for the crust.
For a lighter texture, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
If you prefer a milder caramel flavor, reduce the caramel sauce by half or use store-bought Salted Caramel Apple Pie topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the texture resembles damp sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and silky. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Pie Layer

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized, about 8 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before spooning the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the outer dish to create a water bath (this prevents cracks). Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. Remove and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into an amber-colored liquid. Add butter and stir until fully combined. Slowly pour in the warm cream while stirring continuously. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let it cool before drizzling.

Step 6: Assemble and Finish

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Add a few extra apple slices or a pinch of flaky sea salt for decoration. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Classic Presentation: Serve each slice chilled with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top. The glossy caramel enhances both look and flavor.
Warm Dessert Style: Heat each slice for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before serving to slightly melt the caramel and soften the cheesecake ideal for cozy evenings.
Add Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a swirl of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
Crispy Garnish: Sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, or caramelized apple bits on top for added texture and crunch.
Holiday Plating: Place the slice on a dessert plate, drizzle caramel in a circular pattern, and dust lightly with cinnamon or powdered sugar for an elegant Thanksgiving presentation.
With Fresh Fruit: Add thin apple slices or berries on the side for a refreshing balance to the rich cheesecake.
Dessert Pairing: Serve with a hot beverage like caramel latte, chai tea, or spiced cider for a warm, cozy dessert experience.
Mini Dessert Bar: Present smaller slices or mini cheesecakes on a platter alongside other fall desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan tarts for festive gatherings.
Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in clear boxes with a ribbon and a small caramel drizzle cup perfect as edible gifts during the holidays.
Gourmet Touch: Finish each serving with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel for a professional-style dessert presentation.

Additional Tips

Always use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, lump-free batter.
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracks and achieve an even texture.
Don’t rush the chilling time. The cheesecake sets and develops its flavor best when refrigerated overnight.
When making caramel, stir continuously and watch closely to prevent burning.
Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and texture.
Slice using a clean, warm knife. Wipe the blade after each cut for picture-perfect slices.

Recipe Variations

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars: Turn the recipe into easy-to-serve dessert bars by baking in a square pan. Perfect for potlucks or holidays no slicing hassle, just cut and serve bite-sized pieces.
Mini Cheesecake Cups: Make individual cheesecakes using a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers. Layer crust, filling, apples, and caramel great for parties or personal treats.
Apple Crumble Cheesecake: Add a buttery oat crumble topping before baking for an extra crispy and rustic twist. The crumble adds a nice contrast to the creamy cheesecake layer.
Pecan Caramel Cheesecake: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel sauce or sprinkle them on top for a nutty, crunchy texture that enhances the salted caramel flavor.
No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Skip the oven make a no-bake cheesecake base using whipped cream and gelatin, then top with cooked apples and cooled caramel sauce for a light, creamy finish.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Swirl cinnamon-sugar filling into the cheesecake batter before baking for a dessert that combines cheesecake with cinnamon roll flavors.
Maple Caramel Cheesecake: Replace sugar in the caramel with pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
Pumpkin Apple Cheesecake: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and a touch of pumpkin spice to the cheesecake layer for a festive fall variation that merges pumpkin pie and apple pie flavors.
Gingerbread Crust Cheesecake: Swap graham crackers for crushed gingerbread cookies to add warmth and spice, ideal for Christmas or winter gatherings.
Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake: Layer baked apples and top with streusel crumbs before drizzling caramel sauce. The mix of textures makes this version extra indulgent.
Salted Caramel Pear Cheesecake: Replace apples with ripe pears for a softer, elegant twist perfect for late fall or winter celebrations.
Chocolate Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the caramel topping for a decadent finish and beautiful contrast in flavor and appearance.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Avoid freezing with the caramel topping already on; add it fresh after thawing for best presentation and texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 470
Total Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 330mg

Final Words

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is more than just dessert it’s a complete celebration of flavor and texture. Each layer works together perfectly: the buttery crust holds it all together, the cheesecake adds creamy richness, the apples bring warmth and spice, and the caramel finishes it with sweet-salty perfection. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting, the kind that reminds you why homemade baking is so rewarding.

This recipe is a beautiful balance of indulgence and simplicity. It’s perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving desserts or weekend dinners when you want to impress without stress. The flavors are nostalgic, reminding you of classic apple pie, but the cheesecake and salted caramel make it unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, baking for the holidays, or just treating yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to become one of your signature desserts. Take your time, enjoy each step, and watch how easily your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of caramel, apples, and baked cheesecake. When you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake deserves a place in every baker’s collection.

FAQ’s

Yes, store-bought caramel works perfectly. Just warm it slightly before drizzling to get the right texture.

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Yes, but the texture may be denser. A water bath helps maintain moisture and prevents cracking.

You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the caramel topping just before serving.

That means the sugar crystallized. To fix it, add a splash of water and reheat slowly until smooth.

Yes. Use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

The edges should be set, and the center should still have a slight wobble. It will firm up as it cools.