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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake – A Holiday Showstopper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

This Ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines a creamy, rich cheesecake base with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with warm spiced apple topping and a luscious salted caramel sauce. Perfect as a festive holiday dessert, it offers multiple layers of flavor and texture for an impressive showstopper treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Apple Topping

  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream just until combined. Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the surface.
  3. Bake and Cool the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform, creating a water bath. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the center is almost set with a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and crack the door open; let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then, remove the cheesecake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  4. Make the Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook while stirring until the apples are soft and coated in a syrupy glaze, about 8 minutes. Allow the topping to cool to room temperature.
  5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Using a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns deep amber in color. Carefully add cubed butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using.
  6. Assemble the Cheesecake: Once chilled, spread the cooled apple topping evenly over the cheesecake. Drizzle generously with the salted caramel sauce before slicing and serving. Enjoy this rich, festive dessert that blends creamy, fruity, and caramelized flavors beautifully.

Notes

  • Using a water bath during baking helps prevent cracks and ensures even cooking throughout the cheesecake.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
  • The apple topping should be cooled before adding to prevent melting the cheesecake filling.
  • The salted caramel sauce thickens as it cools; rewarm gently if it becomes too thick before drizzling.
  • For best flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight so the layers meld perfectly.

Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie, cheesecake, holiday dessert, graham cracker crust, caramel sauce, spiced apples, festive dessert

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/salted-caramel-apple-pie-cheesecake-a-holiday-showstopper-recipe/