Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Caramel Apple Cheesecake That Will Steal Your Heart

Caramel apple cheesecake is honestly my new obsession, and I’m not even sorry about it! Picture this: creamy, rich cheesecake topped with tender cinnamon apples and a luscious caramel drizzle that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Furthermore, this dessert combines all the cozy fall flavors we love in one stunning slice. Additionally, it’s become my go-to showstopper for dinner parties because everyone always asks for the recipe.

What Is Caramel Apple Cheesecake?

Simply put, caramel apple cheesecake is the perfect marriage between classic New York-style cheesecake and apple pie. Moreover, it features a graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, spiced apple topping, and glossy caramel sauce. In fact, it’s like having apple pie à la mode and cheesecake in one incredible dessert. Therefore, you get the best of both worlds without having to choose!

Ingredients Overview for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this dreamy caramel apple cheesecake. Fortunately, most ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably have half of them already!

• Graham crackers – 1½ cups crushed (substitute with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers)
• Butter – ¼ cup melted (coconut oil works too)
• Cream cheese – 24 oz at room temperature (never use low-fat here!)
• Sugar – ¾ cup granulated (can use coconut sugar)
• Eggs – 3 large eggs (room temperature is key)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
• Sour cream – ½ cup (Greek yogurt works in a pinch)
• Apples – 3 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon ground
• Caramel sauce – ½ cup store-bought or homemade

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust: First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Next, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Afterward, bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling: Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Subsequently, add sugar and beat until well combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated. Finally, mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.

Prepare the Apple Topping: While the filling rests, peel and slice apples into thin pieces. Next, toss them with cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Then, sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Consequently, they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Then, arrange the cinnamon apples evenly over the surface. After that, bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is almost set. Finally, let it cool completely before refrigerating overnight.

Final Touches: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice. Additionally, you can warm the caramel slightly for easier drizzling.

Serving Suggestions

This caramel apple cheesecake is absolutely perfect on its own, but I love adding extra touches! Therefore, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Furthermore, a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds wonderful crunch. Additionally, drizzle extra caramel sauce around the plate for an elegant presentation that’ll impress your guests every single time.

Tips For The Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• Room temperature ingredients – This prevents lumps and creates the smoothest filling possible
• Don’t overbeat – Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air
• Use a water bath – Place the springform pan in a larger pan with hot water halfway up the sides
• Cool gradually – Turn off the oven and crack the door open for 1 hour before removing
• Chill overnight – Patience is key for the perfect texture and clean slices
• Warm your knife – Run it under hot water between cuts for beautiful, clean slices

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this caramel apple cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, this dessert actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. Therefore, you can make it up to 3 days in advance. Just add the caramel drizzle right before serving to keep it looking fresh and glossy.

Why did my cheesecake crack? Cracks usually happen from temperature shock or overbaking. Consequently, I always use a water bath and cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven. Additionally, make sure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Can I use different apple varieties? Definitely! While Granny Smith apples hold their shape well, Honeycrisp or Gala work beautifully too. However, avoid Red Delicious as they become too mushy when cooked. Furthermore, mixing two varieties creates interesting flavor depth.

How do I store leftover cheesecake? Cover your caramel apple cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Moreover, individual slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

This caramel apple cheesecake hits all the right notes for fall dessert perfection. Moreover, it’s surprisingly forgiving for beginners while still impressive enough for special occasions. Additionally, the combination of creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and rich caramel creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Furthermore, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people remember your dinner parties long after they’re over!

Recipe Development Journey

Honestly, my first attempt at this caramel apple cheesecake was a bit of a disaster! The apples released too much moisture and made the top soggy. However, after some trial and error, I learned to pre-cook the apples to remove excess liquid. Subsequently, this became my most requested recipe. For more delicious dessert inspiration and baking tips, check out my Pinterest page where I share all my favorite treats!