Fall is synonymous with the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and caramel. If you’re in search of a dessert that encapsulates the essence of autumn, look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Combining the coziness of apple pie with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, all wrapped up with a salted caramel drizzle, this dessert is a celebration of seasonal flavors. Below is a comprehensive guide to creating this masterpiece in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (588 grams)
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1-2 tbsp apple cider (or water)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice, to taste
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
For the Crust:
- 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)
For the Cheesecake:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (full-fat, block style)
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature (240 grams)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
For the Apple Topping:
- (Repeat Apple Filling ingredients)
Crumble Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed (57 grams)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions:
- Prep Time: Start by gathering all your ingredients and kitchen tools. This recipe can be broken down into stages and spread over multiple days if needed.
- Apple Filling: Peel and slice the apples. In a pan, cook the filling ingredients (excluding the cornstarch mixture) until the apples are tender. Thicken with the cornstarch mixture if necessary, then let it cool.
- Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the crust ingredients, press into a springform pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Prepare your cheesecake for water bath baking.
- Cheesecake: Beat the cream cheese and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, sour cream, and spices. Pour half the batter over the crust, layer with the apple filling, then cover with the remaining batter.
- Water Bath Baking: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath setup for 1 hour and 35 to 1 hour and 50 minutes, until set but slightly wobbly in the center. Let it cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour, then chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Crumble Topping: Bake the mixture on a lined sheet until golden. Let it cool completely.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Prepare the sauce as directed and allow it to cool before using.
- Apple Pie Topping: Repeat the steps for the apple filling used as the topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Top the chilled cheesecake with the apple topping and crumble. Drizzle generously with the salted caramel sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- The apple filling/topping and caramel sauce can be prepared days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- The crumble topping can also be made ahead and kept at room temperature in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions:
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Serve it as a show-stopping finale to a fall dinner party or as a special treat to warm up those chilly evenings. Pair it with a cup of hot cider or coffee for the ultimate comfort.
Conclusion:
There’s something about the blend of apples, cinnamon, and caramel that feels like a hug in dessert form. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake recipe brings together all these elements in a decadent, multi-layered dessert that’s sure to impress. With its creamy cheesecake base, spiced apple layers, and a crunchy crumble topping, all finished with a silky salted caramel drizzle, each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures.