If you’re searching for a truly unforgettable dessert, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake has everything you could desire: the creamy richness of cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, luscious salted caramel, and tender spiced apples all in perfect harmony. Each bite feels like a celebration of fall, but honestly, I crave this dreamy treat all year long. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table or just want to treat yourself, this show-stopping cheesecake never fails to impress friends and family.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is that, while the flavor is indulgent and complex, the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward. Every item has a role to play—delivering creaminess, a hint of tang, pops of color, or that unmistakable sweet-salty caramel finish.

Graham cracker crumbs: The perfect crunchy base, giving just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust hold together, plus flavors the creamy cheesecake layer.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and adds a lovely, rich flavor.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of our cheesecake—ensure it’s at room temperature for supreme smoothness.
Large eggs: Bind everything for a luscious, custard-like filling.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with soft, aromatic notes.
Sour cream: Delivers tang and silkiness to the batter—seriously, don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: Just a touch for structure, making your slices picture-perfect.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
Apples (peeled and finely chopped): Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith to keep everything bright and refreshing.
Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor in the sautéed apple topping.
Cinnamon: Infuses the apples with that undeniable apple-pie warmth.
Nutmeg: Lends a gentle spice that makes the apple filling extra memorable.
Butter: Sautéing the apples in butter makes them silky and adds an extra layer of richness.
Salted caramel sauce: Buy your favorite or make it from scratch—just make sure it’s salted for that signature sweet-savory finish.
Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top makes every forkful sing with flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan—this ensures the cheesecake releases easily, keeping those beautiful layers intact. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter, stirring until the mixture looks like wet sand. Firmly press it into the bottom and just slightly up the sides of your pan (the back of a measuring cup works wonders here). Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you move on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

In a small skillet, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and finely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender and caramelized, but not mushy. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly right about now. Let these apples cool to room temperature—you’ll use them both inside and on top of the cheesecake.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Batter

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and airy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well, then add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go to ensure even mixing. Gently fold in the sour cream, flour, and salt until just combined—avoiding overmixing will prevent cracks and keep the cheesecake tender. Next, fold in half of the cooled apple pie filling for bites of spiced apple throughout.

Step 4: Assemble the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Pour half of the creamy batter over your baked crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Drizzle a few tablespoons of that glorious salted caramel sauce over the batter (a swirling motion is especially fun), then follow with the rest of the batter. This layering gives lovely ribbons of caramel throughout the cheesecake, ensuring every slice has that signature taste.

Step 5: Bake, Chill, and Finish

Bake your cheesecake for 60–70 minutes. You want the edges set and the center just slightly wobbly if you jiggle the pan. Don’t panic if it puffs up; it will settle as it cools. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let your cheesecake rest inside for an hour—this gentle cooling minimizes cracks. Once it comes to room temperature, chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, heap the remaining apple pie filling on top, drizzle generously with extra salted caramel sauce, and finish with a shower of flaky sea salt for that addictive sweet-salty flourish.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Garnishes

The right toppings make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake shine! Beyond the luscious caramel drizzle and flaky sea salt, try a dollop of softly whipped cream or a handful of toasted pecans for a bit of crunch. Even a few thinly sliced fresh apples fanned on top can look absolutely stunning and add a fresh bite.

Side Dishes

Because this cheesecake is so indulgent, keep any accompaniments simple. A mug of robust black coffee or a pot of hot tea make the perfect pairing. If you want to serve something extra alongside, opt for a crisp, lightly dressed green salad or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

This cheesecake is a showstopper for any occasion! Slice it into tiny wedges for a dessert sampler platter, or try layering small cubes of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake in parfait glasses with extra caramel and whipped cream. For parties, you can even bake mini cheesecakes in muffin pans for bite-sized treats that are just as gorgeous and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake at its best, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making it ideal for preparing ahead or nibbling on throughout the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cheesecake! Wrap individual slices or the whole (fully cooled) Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. If possible, add fresh garnishes and caramel sauce after thawing for the best texture and shine.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled from the fridge, but if you like it slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to take off the chill and make the caramel extra gooey—just don’t overheat, as the texture can become soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tart bite, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that softer apples may cook more quickly, so watch the pan to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

To reduce the risk of cracks, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, and avoid overbeating the batter. Letting the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked also helps keep the top smooth and beautiful.

Can I make salted caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes, and it’s easier than you think! All you need is sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a good pinch of sea salt. Homemade caramel adds an extra layer of flavor, but a high-quality store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly, too.

What’s the best way to slice cheesecake cleanly?

Run a long, sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice, wiping clean between each cut. This ensures those gorgeous layers of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake stay tidy and picture-perfect on every plate.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for your favorite gluten-free cookies or graham-style biscuits, and use a gluten-free flour blend for the tablespoon of flour in the batter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to delight your loved ones (or just treat yourself), there’s truly nothing more satisfying than sharing a homemade Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. The creamy filling, spiced apples, and rich caramel with that final flourish of flaky sea salt all come together into pure dessert bliss. Give it a try—you’ll be tempted to make it again and again!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent fusion of salted caramel apple pie and creamy cheesecake with this irresistible dessert. A buttery graham cracker crust cradles a luscious cheesecake filling swirled with caramelized apples and topped with salted caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

Apple Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter
¾ cup salted caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Flaky sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
Prepare Apple Filling: Sauté apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in butter until caramelized. Cool.
Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, flour, and salt. Fold in half of the sautéed apples.
Assemble and Bake: Pour half of the batter over crust, drizzle with caramel sauce, add rest of batter. Bake for 60–70 minutes until set. Cool in oven, then chill for at least 4 hours.
Serve: Top with remaining apples, caramel sauce, and sea salt before serving.