I’ve always believed that the best meals are the ones that create lasting memories around the family table. There’s something truly special about sharing a dish that everyone enjoys, and for my family, that dish is often a Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. From the first bite, it was clear this dessert wasn’t just another treat; it was a flavor adventure that brought us closer.
My journey to perfecting this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake wasn’t without its challenges. I remember one Thanksgiving, the caramel sauce was too runny, and the crust was a bit too crumbly. But those “failures” taught me invaluable lessons about balancing flavors and textures, leading to the recipe I’m excited to share with you.
What makes this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake a family favorite is the way the sweet apples complement the creamy cheesecake, all brought together by the rich, salty caramel. It’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. It creates a harmony of tastes everyone enjoys. It’s an invitation to fellow flavor seekers looking to bring a little extra joy to their family meals. I’m excited to share this recipe with all of you!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dessert. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is truly a labor of love, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in the final flavor profile.

- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the best flavor in your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, I recommend sourcing local apples when they’re in season. Their natural sweetness and crispness add an unmatched depth to the filling. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake at local farmers’ markets.
Trust me, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors! This apple pie cheesecake recipe is crafted to create something memorable!
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. My family loves when I add a pinch of cardamom to the apple pie filling. It adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully. I recommend adding it!
Let’s Create This Together!
Ready to embark on this delicious adventure? Let’s get started, step by step. I promise, making this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is easier than you might think! I’ve broken it down into manageable steps so you can create a truly unforgettable dessert.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Apple Pie Filling: In a large skillet, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the butter and lemon juice. Set aside to cool slightly. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream. This step is crucial for a smooth cheesecake.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the apple pie filling. Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. This prevents cracking. Don’t be surprised if your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake develops a slight golden hue on top.
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a golden caramel. Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream (be careful, it will bubble up!) and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. This will complete our caramel apple cheesecake bars!
- Chill and Serve: After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove it and let it cool completely at room temperature. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Before serving, drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce, if desired.
Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake – letting it cool in the oven after baking. Learn from my experience, it makes all the difference in preventing cracks!
While your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! In my kitchen, this flavorful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake typically takes about 2 hours of prep time. You should prepare to dedicate time! This apple pie cheesecake recipe is very straightforward!
How We Love to Enjoy This!
There’s nothing quite like sharing a slice of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake with loved ones. This dessert is so versatile. My family enjoys it in so many ways!
We love to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture complements the rich flavors of the cheesecake and caramel perfectly. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake appears with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s a perfect ending to any meal.
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! I sometimes pair this cheesecake with a side of fresh fruit. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dessert. It’s a lovely way to balance the flavors!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle. It enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds a touch of elegance. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is especially perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations.
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare in my house, you can transform them into delicious parfaits. Layer crumbled cheesecake with granola and yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat. This flavorful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake reminds me of another family favorite: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie – Sally’s Baking.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I often get questions about my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Here are some of the most common ones, along with my tried-and-true answers:
Does this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake really satisfy hearty appetites? Absolutely! The combination of the graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet apple pie filling, and rich salted caramel sauce is incredibly satisfying. It’s a dessert that truly delivers on flavor and texture.
What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake? You can easily adjust the amount of salted caramel sauce to suit their taste. Serve extra sauce on the side. That way, everyone can customize their slice. You can also reduce the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple pie filling for a milder spice flavor.
How can I prepare this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ahead for busy weeks? This dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can bake the cheesecake and prepare the apple pie filling a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and drizzle with the salted caramel sauce just before serving.
Can I use a different type of apple for the apple pie filling? Definitely! While I prefer using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, you can use your favorite variety. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.
Is it necessary to let the cheesecake cool in the oven after baking? Yes, this step is crucial for preventing cracks in the cheesecake. The slow cooling process allows the cheesecake to set gradually, reducing the risk of it sinking or cracking. I learned this from trial and error!
Can I freeze this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake? Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Add the caramel topping when serving!
What can I substitute for sour cream in the cheesecake filling? If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will give the cheesecake a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Trust me, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert. It’s a way to create joyful moments with your family through authentic, homemade goodness.
My Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Flavor Secrets:
- Quality Cream Cheese: Invest in high-quality cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake filling.
- Local Apples: When in season, use fresh, local apples for the most vibrant and flavorful apple pie filling.
- Homemade Caramel: Making your own salted caramel sauce elevates this dessert to a whole new level. It’s worth the effort!
Here are a few family-tested variations:
- Pecan Crumble Topping: Add a pecan crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. This is the perfect salted caramel apple dessert.
- Chocolate Crust: Use a chocolate graham cracker crust instead of the regular graham cracker crust for a richer, more decadent flavor. If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
- Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce for a warm, boozy kick.
My youngest prefers the classic version with extra caramel drizzle, while my eldest loves the pecan crumble topping. It’s all about catering to those individual preferences. I encourage you to make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake your own signature version. It’s a great way to use this apple pie filling cheesecake!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Remember, the best meals are made with love and shared with those you cherish. I believe in you.
Here’s to many more flavor victories and shared moments around the family table, all thanks to this satisfying Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake! For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore apple cider cheesecake.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Indulge in the ultimate dessert mashup! This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie, all drizzled with decadent salted caramel.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 285 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make the Apple Pie Filling: In a large skillet, combine diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add butter and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and filling has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a golden amber color. Remove from heat and immediately add butter. Stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly (mixture may bubble). Return to low heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in salt, and let cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the cheesecake filling. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the apple pie filling.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place the pan in a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath). Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill and Serve: Remove cheesecake from the water bath and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Before serving, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before serving.


