Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Elevate your dessert game this Thanksgiving with a delightful twist on two classic favorites: apple pie and cheesecake. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines a creamy cheesecake layer with spiced apple filling and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for impressing guests or treating your family, this recipe is the ultimate indulgence for the holiday season.
This dessert will surely become a family favorite!
The Perfect Holiday Dessert
Thanksgiving is the time for family gatherings, sharing stories, and enjoying delicious food. What better way to end your festive meal than with a Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake? This dessert is not only visually stunning but also a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The creamy cheesecake, complemented by a spiced apple filling and finished with rich salted caramel, is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Creating the perfect holiday dessert can seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing taste. Each layer builds on the previous one, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The balance of sweet and salty gives it that extra touch, ensuring that it's more than just a pie – it's an experience.
A Twist on Tradition
Apple pie is a beloved classic, often associated with cozy family gatherings and holiday celebrations. By incorporating cheesecake elements, this recipe breathes new life into a traditional favorite. It's the best of both worlds; the creamy texture of cheesecake combined with the nostalgic flavors of spiced apples guarantees satisfaction for every taste bud.
Moreover, the salted caramel drizzle elevates this dessert to gourmet status. This simple addition transforms the dish into an elegant centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Whether you're a fan of apple pie, cheesecake, or both, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is bound to win you over.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheesecake turns out perfectly, there are a few tips you can keep in mind. First, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth batter without lumps. When mixing, avoid overbeating the eggs, as this can introduce unnecessary air that could cause cracking during baking.
Additionally, baking your cheesecake with a water bath can help regulate the temperature, resulting in a creamier texture. Simply wrap the springform pan in foil to prevent any leaks, then place it in a larger pan filled with hot water before baking. This method will ensure a beautifully set cheesecake that’s as smooth as silk.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting.
Steps
Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
Prepare the Apple Filling
Mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside to marinate.
Make the Cheesecake Batter
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla, then mix in the eggs one at a time. Finally, fold in the sour cream.
Layer the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust, add the apple filling, and top with the remaining cheesecake batter.
Bake the Cheesecake
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely.
Make the Salted Caramel
In a saucepan, melt sugar until golden brown. Carefully add butter and cream, stirring until combined. Add sea salt to taste.
Serve
Drizzle the salted caramel over the cooled cheesecake and enjoy!
Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the presentation further with some simple serving suggestions. Consider topping each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions will enhance the dessert’s richness, making it even more decadent and a true crowd-pleaser.
For added flair, sprinkle some crushed pecans or drizzle some additional salted caramel on the plate for a beautiful presentation. Not only does this make your dish visually appealing, but it also adds extra textures and flavors that complement the cheesecake.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this delicious cheesecake!), make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to five days, allowing you to savor the delicious flavor long after your Thanksgiving feast is over.
If you're looking to save time on the big day, you can prepare the cheesecake a day in advance. Prepare the layers and assemble them, but wait to add the salted caramel until just before serving. This will ensure that the dessert remains fresh and visually appealing.
Making it Your Own
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences! For instance, consider adding nuts to the crust for added crunch or experimenting with different spices in the apple filling, such as nutmeg or allspice. You could also try using different types of apples for varied sweetness and tartness, giving your cheesecake a unique twist each time you make it.
If you're a fan of chocolate, consider swirling in some melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking for a delightful chocolate apple cheesecake hybrid. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a versatile base for any holiday dessert table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Elevate your dessert game this Thanksgiving with a delightful twist on two classic favorites: apple pie and cheesecake. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines a creamy cheesecake layer with spiced apple filling and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for impressing guests or treating your family, this recipe is the ultimate indulgence for the holiday season.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cheesecake
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
Mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside to marinate.
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla, then mix in the eggs one at a time. Finally, fold in the sour cream.
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust, add the apple filling, and top with the remaining cheesecake batter.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely.
In a saucepan, melt sugar until golden brown. Carefully add butter and cream, stirring until combined. Add sea salt to taste.
Drizzle the salted caramel over the cooled cheesecake and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g