Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 4 medium apples, sliced; 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; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tsp water; 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted; 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 tsp corn starch; 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed

If you’re looking to wow everyone at the dessert table, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the showstopper you’ve been searching for. Imagine the richness of creamy, cinnamon-kissed cheesecake wrapped around tender, caramelized apples, all cradled in a crisp graham cracker crust. Crowned with buttery oat crumble, spiced apple slices, and a glossy ribbon of homemade salted caramel, it’s a magical marriage of fall’s best flavors. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or just because you need some comfort on a chilly afternoon, you’ll fall in love from first bite—and so will everyone lucky enough to grab a fork.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to building unforgettable layers in this dessert. Each one adds its own special touch, from the crunch of apples to the silken tang of sour cream and the golden drizzle of caramel on top.

Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for perfectly balanced filling and topping.
Salted Butter: Adds flavor depth, richness, and a little savory edge that pops against all the sweetness.
Apple Cider: Boosts the apple flavor and keeps things juicy—no vinegar substitutes here!
Light Brown Sugar: Caramelizes with apples for deep flavor and helps bind the crumble topping.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Cloves & Allspice: Essential warm spices for cozy, pie-like flavor in every bite.
Lemon Juice: A splash prevents apples from browning and punches up the brightness.
Cornstarch: Ensures your apple filling is thick, glossy, and never runny.
Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crumbs: Brings crunch and hints of spice to the crust—way easier than pie dough!
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style for the creamiest, richest cheesecake texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the filling.
Eggs: Give the cheesecake its structure and luscious richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cheesecake base.
Corn Starch (again): Keeps the cheesecake creamy without cracks.
Full-Fat Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess and helps prevent dryness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the crumble topping just right.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Give the topping delicious chew and rustic charm.
Flaky Sea Salt: Just a pinch elevates the caramel to new, irresistible heights.
Heavy Cream: Brings silkiness to your homemade salted caramel sauce.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and slicing your apples into thick, hearty wedges. Sauté them in a mixture of salted butter, brown sugar, apple cider, spices, and lemon juice until they’re caramelized and just tender. If needed, thicken the mixture with cornstarch dissolved in water, so the filling stays luscious, not watery. Let it cool—this gives you time to savor the fragrant aroma that starts your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake journey.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven and get that trusty springform pan ready! Combine cinnamon graham cracker crumbs with melted salted butter, mixing until it resembles golden wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, building a solid base up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, just until fragrant and set, ensuring your cheesecake has the perfect crisp bottom layer.

Step 3: Create the Cheesecake Filling

Once your cold ingredients are at room temperature (this is crucial for a lump-free, creamy filling!), beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and spices. The batter should be silken and fragrant. Pour half over the crust, layer in that glorious apple filling, then top with the rest of the batter. Smooth it gently so every forkful is dreamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake with a Water Bath

For a cheesecake that’s blissfully crack-free and custardy, a water bath is your best friend! Place the filled pan inside a protective layer (wrapping the base in foil or using a cake pan), set it in a large roasting pan, and pour boiling water around it. Bake until the edges are gently set and the center trembles ever-so-slightly. Let it cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked to prevent dramatic temperature changes—patience here pays off.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Get Toppings Ready

Once cooled, cover your cheesecake and pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or up to a full day. During this time, make your crumble topping by blending flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cold butter, then baking the mixture until delightfully golden and crisp. Prepare the apple pie topping (just like the filling) and whip up that show-stopping salted caramel sauce for the grand finale.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

At last, carefully remove your cheesecake from the pan. Top it with luscious apple slices, a snow-like layer of crisp crumble, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, juicy apples, buttery crumble, and rich caramel—it’s everything you love about apple pie and cheesecake combined.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle the finished salted caramel apple pie cheesecake with a pinch of flaky sea salt, scatter on some extra oat crumble, or add delicate curls of caramel-dipped apple for bakery-level flair. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is so decadent, simple sides are the way to go. Freshly whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon, a bowl of roasted pecans, or even a pot of spiced tea match perfectly and don’t compete with the star of the show. If you’re feeling festive, pair it with mulled cider for full autumnal glory.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, try baking mini cheesecakes in muffin tins for an adorable, portable treat. Or, serve generous wedges on rustic wooden boards, surrounded by sliced apples and extra caramel for dipping. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake also makes a stunning centerpiece on a tiered cake stand, especially when decorated with cinnamon sticks and apple chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of salted caramel apple pie cheesecake will keep beautifully for several days in the fridge. Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. The flavor deepens as it sits, and the toppings hold up well, especially if you add the caramel just before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze either the whole cheesecake (minus the fresh apple topping and caramel) or individual slices. Wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add the apple topping and caramel after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

If you like your cheesecake just a bit warm, microwave an individual slice for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and soften the caramel. Don’t overdo it, as you don’t want the filling to melt. Serve immediately for a comforting, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, this cheesecake gets better with time. Feel free to make it up to 1-2 days ahead—the flavors deepen and the texture gets even creamier after a restful night in the fridge.

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully and keep the dessert from getting too sweet. Mixing a few varieties will give your salted caramel apple pie cheesecake more depth and flavor.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

The secret is baking your cheesecake gently in a water bath and letting it cool slowly with the oven door cracked. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature when you start to ensure a smooth, even filling.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

You can, but homemade salted caramel takes this dessert totally over the top. If you’re short on time, just warm up store-bought caramel and stir in a pinch of flaky sea salt for a flavor boost.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free cookies and use certified gluten-free oats in the crumble. Every other component of the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake for yourself. It’s truly a heartwarming dessert that brings together creamy, spiced, and salty-sweet notes in the most joyful way. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) and enjoy every Autumn-inspired bite—you deserve it!