There’s something about fall that brings back the scent of warm apples, cinnamon, and sticky caramel filling the air. I can still picture my nonna standing by her tiny Sicilian oven, stirring caramel with a steady hand while apples baked slowly in butter and sugar. When I first made this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, I wanted to capture that same nostalgia; the buttery crumble of pie crust, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the comforting sweetness of caramelized apples. It’s indulgent, yes, but it’s also a celebration of what food should be: comforting, memorable, and shared with people you love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Pie Cheesecake is pure dessert bliss. It layers everything we adore about fall desserts into one show-stopping creation. You get the sweet-spiced apple filling reminiscent of a homemade pie, the rich and creamy cheesecake base, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel that ties it all together. Unlike traditional cheesecake, this one carries a buttery crunch from the crust and a gentle saltiness that balances every bite. It’s a dessert that makes an entrance; perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy weekends, or any gathering where you want to impress without complicated steps.
If you love comforting yet elegant desserts, you might also enjoy the Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake recipe on my site; it pairs beautifully with this cheesecake as part of a fall dessert spread.
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Creamy cheesecake layered with spiced apples and topped with salted caramel.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Crust:
Graham crumbs
Butter
Sugar
Apple Filling:
Apples
Butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling:
Cream cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Caramel:
Sugar
Butter
Cream
Sea salt
Instructions
1. Make crust and pre-bake
2. Cook apples until tender
3. Prepare cheesecake filling
4. Layer apples and filling
5. Bake 60–70 minutes
6. Chill 4 hours
7. Top with salted caramel
Notes
Use tart apples for balance. Chill overnight for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Ingredients
You’ll need a few layers of flavor here: the crust, the filling, the apples, and of course, the caramel.
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Crust | 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 tbsp sugar |
| Apple Filling | 3 cups sliced apples, 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon |
| Cheesecake Filling | 24 oz cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract |
| Salted Caramel | ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp butter, ¼ cup heavy cream, pinch of sea salt |
If you prefer a slightly different twist, you can find my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip for an even richer flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9-inch springform pan. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press this mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
While the crust cools, prepare the apples. Melt butter in a pan, add sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook until the apples soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Let them cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Pour half the cheesecake batter over the crust, spoon in half the apple mixture, then layer the remaining cheesecake batter and top with the rest of the apples.
Bake for 60–70 minutes until the center is nearly set. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least four hours (overnight is best). Before serving, drizzle with homemade salted caramel.
For another cozy dessert layered with cream and fruit, try the Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites; it’s light, easy, and complements this cheesecake perfectly.
Tips and Variations
- Crust Options: You can use crushed shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers for a richer base.
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples offer the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- No-Bake Shortcut: If you prefer a no-bake version, chill the crust and use a gelatin-set filling.
- Extra Caramel: Make a double batch of caramel—it keeps well for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes.
- Texture Boost: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
For a comforting breakfast alternative, check out my Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, they use similar spices but in a morning-friendly form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better when made a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight in the fridge.
How do I keep the cheesecake from cracking?
Bake it in a water bath or place a pan of water on the lower oven rack to add moisture.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Cheesecake?
Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, but homemade caramel adds more depth and a natural salty-sweet balance.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s creamy, sweet, and slightly salty with a touch of tart apple; it captures everything that makes fall magical. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or simply creating a quiet moment of indulgence for yourself, this dessert delivers every time. It’s a slice of nostalgia, comfort, and joy, all in one.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
