Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake (Easy Recipe!)

by

A Decadent Dessert That Combines Three Beloved Classics

There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake paired with the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie and the luxurious sweetness of salted caramel. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup—perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a showstopping treat.

This recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures: a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety vanilla cheesecake layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Plus, I’ll share foolproof tips to prevent cracks, ensure the perfect bake, and make this dessert ahead of time.

Ready to impress your guests? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ The ultimate fall dessert – Combines cozy apple pie, rich cheesecake, and indulgent caramel in one bite.
✔ Crowd-pleasing showstopper – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or dinner parties.
✔ Surprisingly achievable – Detailed step-by-step instructions ensure success, even for beginner bakers.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (8g) all-purpose flour

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, covering the bottom and halfway up the sides.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

2. Sauté the Apple Pie Filling

  1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add sour cream, vanilla, and flour; mix well.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined (don’t overmix!).

4. Assemble & Bake

  1. Spread half the cheesecake batter over the crust.
  2. Spoon apple filling evenly on top, then cover with remaining batter.
  3. Place the pan in a water bath (to prevent cracks).
  4. Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
  5. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool for 1 hour inside.

5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

  1. Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber-colored.
  2. Whisk in butter, then slowly add cream and salt.
  3. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.

6. Chill & Serve

  • Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
  • Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

🔹 Avoid cracks – Use a water bath and cool the cheesecake slowly.
🔹 Room-temperature ingredients – Ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
🔹 Don’t overbake – The center should still jiggle slightly when done.
🔹 Make ahead – Prepare up to 2 days in advance.

Variations & Substitutions

🍏 Crust options – Try gingersnap or Biscoff cookies instead of graham crackers.
🍎 Apple alternatives – Use Fuji or Braeburn apples for a sweeter filling.
🌾 Gluten-free? – Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies.
🧁 Mini cheesecakes – Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

✅ Fridge – Store covered for up to 5 days.
✅ Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month (thaw overnight in the fridge).

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, but homemade tastes best! If using store-bought, warm it slightly for easy drizzling.

Do I really need a water bath?
It helps prevent cracks, but if you’re careful with baking time, you can skip it.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set, but the center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a dreamy dessert that brings together the best of three iconic treats. With a buttery crust, creamy filling, spiced apples, and a silky caramel finish, every bite is pure heaven.

Ready to bake? Tag me on social media with your creations—I’d love to see them! And if you have questions, drop them in the comments below. Happy baking! 🍏🍰✨

More Recipes You’ll Love:

Would you like a video tutorial for this recipe? Let me know in the comments! 👇