Indulge in a dessert that brings together the best of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and tart apples with this Caramel Apple Cheesecake recipe. This decadent treat features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich caramel cheesecake filling, and a spiced apple layer that adds a delightful fruity twist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is sure to impress with its layered flavors and impressive presentation.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (from 2 packets)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Caramel Cheesecake
- 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup salted caramel (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Apple Layer
- 3 Gala apples, cut into cubes
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Apple Pie Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Gala apples, sliced
- â…“ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom with a parchment paper circle and spray again.
- Mix Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well using a fork.
- Form Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Press the crumbs halfway up the sides of the pan and compact the bottom using the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake Crust: Bake for 11 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Apple Layer
- Cube Apples: While the crust is baking, cut the apples into cubes (peeling is optional).
- Mix Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Make the Caramel Cheesecake
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Add Ingredients: Add the sour cream, salted caramel, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
- Prepare Water Bath: Choose a water bath method:
- Cake Pan Method: Place the springform pan in a 10-inch cake pan. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the cake pan.
- Foil Method: Wrap the springform pan tightly in aluminum foil. Place it in a large roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the springform pan.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Sprinkle the cinnamon apples evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 65-75 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely, then wrap the pan in foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Prepare Apple Pie Filling
- Cook Apples: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Cool completely before storing in the fridge.
Assemble the Cheesecake
- Remove Pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and parchment paper.
- Top Cheesecake: Spread the cooled apple pie filling over the top of the cheesecake. Drizzle with extra salted caramel if desired.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and spiced apples, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a delicious base, while the apple layer and pie filling add a satisfying texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special event or enjoying a slice with family, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this decadent and irresistible treat!