Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Oh wow, this one is a total showstopper. It’s like apple pie and cheesecake had the most delicious baby. And then we added salted caramel—because, well, why not?

I made it last fall, and let me tell you, it was gone fast. The apples are soft and cozy, the cheesecake is creamy, and that caramel? Just melts right in.

If you want something sweet, salty, and super cozy, this is it. Honestly, it tastes like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

• Indulgent and Creamy: The cheesecake filling is smooth and luxurious, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of caramel and the slight tang from the apples.
• Seasonally Perfect: Apples and salted caramel are the quintessential fall flavor combination. The sweet, spiced apples are complemented by the rich, salty-sweet caramel sauce for a combination that’s simply irresistible.
• Stunning Presentation: The beautifully arranged apple slices and drizzled caramel sauce not only taste amazing but also look impressive.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared a day or two in advance, making it the perfect dessert for busy hosts.
• Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cheesecake will be the star of the show.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, here’s a list of essential kitchen tools you’ll need to make this Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake:

• 9-inch Springform Pan: This will help you get the perfect, smooth edges and make it easier to remove the cheesecake.
• Mixer (Hand or Stand): To mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Sauté Pan: For cooking the apples and making the caramelized topping.
• Oven: Preheated to 325°F (163°C).
• Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the apples.
• Whisk and Spatula: For mixing ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this show-stopping cheesecake:

For the Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the base of your cheesecake, adding both crunch and a mild sweetness.
• 3 tbsp sugar: To sweeten the crust.
• Pinch of salt: A small amount helps balance the sweetness.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: This binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

For the Apples:

• ½ stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter: To cook the apples and create a caramelized coating.
• 3 large Golden Delicious or Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths: These varieties are perfect for caramelizing, as they hold their shape and have the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness.
• 2 tbsp (packed) light brown sugar: To sweeten the apples and enhance their caramelized flavor.

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ lbs (three 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, at room temperature: This is the base for the smooth, creamy filling.
• ¾ cup (packed) light brown sugar: For a deep sweetness that complements the apples and salted caramel.
• 6 tbsp sugar: To balance out the richness of the cream cheese.
• 3 tbsp apple cider: Adds a subtle tang and deep apple flavor to the cheesecake filling.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: For a warm, fragrant note that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: This spice brings out the warm, cozy flavors that complement both the apples and the salted caramel.
• 3 large eggs: They help bind the filling together, giving it structure and a smooth texture.
• ¾ cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang to the filling, balancing the sweetness.
• ⅓ cup heavy cream: For a rich, smooth texture that helps create the perfect cheesecake consistency.

For Assembly and Topping:

• ⅔ cup salted caramel sauce, divided: This is the star of the show! Salted caramel adds both richness and depth of flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, but I always recommend making it from scratch for an extra special touch.

Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• Use Different Apples: While Golden Delicious and Fuji apples are perfect for this recipe, feel free to experiment with Granny Smith apples for a more tart flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cheesecake or mix them into the crust.
• Cinnamon Swirl: If you love cinnamon, swirl some cinnamon sugar into the filling before baking for an extra cinnamon kick.
• Caramel Drizzle: If you want an extra indulgent touch, drizzle more caramel sauce on top just before serving.
• Mini Cheesecakes: If you want individual portions, divide the batter into mini cheesecake pans or muffin tins and adjust the baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

1. Make the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
• Stir in the melted butter until everything is evenly coated. The mixture should have a damp sand-like texture.
• Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to pack it down tightly.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and slightly firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

2. Caramelize the Apples

• While the crust is cooling, heat a sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter.
• Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar over the apples and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and caramelize. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
• Add the light brown sugar and sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
• Add the apple cider, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until incorporated.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Finally, add the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

• Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
• Arrange a layer of the caramelized apples over the filling.
• Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the apples, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

• Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 55-60 minutes.
• The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
• Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
• After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

6. Chill the Cheesecake

• Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. Chilling it overnight helps the flavors meld and ensures a smooth, firm texture.

7. Add the Salted Caramel Topping

• Before serving, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top of the cheesecake. Be sure to save some for individual slices when serving!
• Optionally, garnish with additional caramelized apple slices or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• Sliced for a Showstopper Dessert: Serve generous slices of this cheesecake as a grand finale to any meal.
• Top with Extra Caramel: If you’re a true caramel lover, don’t hold back! Serve each slice with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for even more decadence.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of this cheesecake pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea.
• Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve slices of this cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Storing Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save this cheesecake for a later date, it can be frozen. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Based on 12 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Total Fat	29g
Saturated Fat	16g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	250mg
Total Carbs	47g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	35g
Protein	6g

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake is everything you could want in a dessert: rich, creamy, and full of indulgent flavors. The combination of caramelized apples, smooth cheesecake filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with salted caramel sauce, is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cheesecake will not disappoint. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy, making it an unforgettable dessert for any time of year.