Name: Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 300 g digestive biscuits; 115 g unsalted butter (melted); 20 g unsalted butter; 500 g eating apples (peeled and diced into small cubes); 60 g soft light brown sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 500 g full-fat cream cheese; 100 g caster sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 60 ml sour cream; 1 tsp cornflour; 100 g plain flour; 60 g soft light brown sugar; 50 g oats; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of flaky sea salt; 80 g cold unsalted butter (cubed); 200 g caster sugar; 90 g unsalted butter (diced, at room temperature); 110 ml double cream (at room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste)

If you’re ready to swoon over a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy spirit of home baking, then this Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a buttery biscuit base, creamy cheesecake filling bursting with gentle vanilla notes, tender cinnamon-spiced apples scattered on top, and a crunchy crumble layer baked to golden perfection. But wait, the magic is truly complete when you drizzle it with luscious salted caramel, creating a decadent dance of sweet and salty that you’ll crave again and again. This dessert is not just a treat—it’s an experience that brings warmth, comfort, and a pinch of indulgence to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a woman's hand holding a white bowl filled with white sugar, surrounded by various white bowls containing ingredients like cream cheese, oats, flour, brown sugar, and round brown biscuits. There are also red apples near the bowls. All the bowls are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in your Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the crunchy biscuit base to the rich caramel sauce, adding depth and deliciousness.

Digestive biscuits (300 g): Provides a crunchy, buttery base that holds the cheesecake together with a hint of sweetness.
Unsalted butter (115 g melted + 20 g for apples + 80 g cold cubed + 90 g diced): Essential for richness, moisture, and the perfect crumble texture.
Eating apples (500 g, peeled and diced): Fresh, tender apples spiced to add fruity warmth and subtle sweetness.
Soft light brown sugar (60 g for apples + 60 g for crumble): Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create that cozy autumn flavor.
Ground cinnamon (½ tsp for apples + ½ tsp for crumble): Infuses the filling and topping with warm, spicy notes that complement the apple perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp for apples and 1 tsp for filling + 1 tsp for caramel): Enhances every layer with fragrant sweetness and depth.
Full-fat cream cheese (500 g): The silky foundation for that creamy, dreamy cheesecake texture.
Caster sugar (100 g for filling + 200 g for caramel): Sweetens the cheesecake filling and caramel sauce flawlessly.
Eggs (3 large): Binds the cheesecake filling, giving it structure without heaviness.
Sour cream (60 ml): Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Cornflour (1 tsp): Helps the cheesecake set beautifully, giving a smooth finish.
Plain flour (100 g): Provides the crumble topping with a delicate crumbly texture.
Oats (50 g): Adds rustic crunch and depth to the crumble topping.
Flaky sea salt (pinch for crumble + 1 tsp for caramel): Brings out the layers of flavor with a pop of savory contrast.
Double cream (110 ml): For a rich, glossy, and indulgent salted caramel drizzle.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Crust

Start by setting your oven to 180 C (350 F) standard or 160 C (320 F) fan. Grease your springform tin and line the bottom with baking paper. Blitz the digestive biscuits in a food processor to fine crumbs, then mix in the melted butter until it resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into your tin, covering the base and sides evenly, then chill it while making the filling. This buttery base is the sturdy, flavorful foundation your Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe deserves.

Step 2: Cook the Cinnamon-Spiced Apples

In a non-stick frying pan over low-medium heat, melt your butter until foaming, then add the diced apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir gently to coat the apples before covering and gently cooking for about 10 minutes until tender and fragrant. Adjust sugar and cinnamon to taste. These warm, spiced apples will bring that cozy autumn feeling to your cheesecake, giving bursts of softness and spice with every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then add caster sugar and continue beating. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract, sour cream, and cornflour just until combined, careful not to overmix. This velvety filling balances the textures perfectly and is the creamy heart of your Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt in a bowl. Rub in cold cubed butter until the mixture forms crumbly clumps. This topping will bake to a crisp, crumbly finish that adds irresistible texture and a buttery, spiced crunch on your cheesecake.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Remove the chilled biscuit crust, place it on a baking tray, then pour in the cheesecake filling. Spread the cinnamon-spiced apples evenly over the filling, then sprinkle generously with the crumble topping. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, checking for a slight set and gentle wobble in the center—don’t overbake, because it will firm up as it cools. Keep the oven door slightly ajar while the cheesecake cools for the first hour to avoid cracking.

Step 6: Prepare the Salted Caramel Drizzle

Warm sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, swirling to melt evenly and watching carefully to reach a rich amber color. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth, then gradually add double cream, whisking to a glossy finish. Stir in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. This sauce adds the signature salty-sweet finale to your Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe, crowning it with pure decadence.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe

A slice of crumb-topped apple cake sits on a white plate. The cake has three visible layers: a golden-brown crumbly top with small oat-like pieces, a light yellow creamy middle layer dotted with soft apple chunks, and a darker brown crust at the bottom and on the sides. A rich caramel sauce is being poured in a smooth stream from a brass container onto the crumb topping. In the background, there are bright red berries with green leaves on a woman’s hand, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle toasted chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a few fresh apple slices on top. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of crunch and freshness that complement the creamy and sweet elements of the cheesecake.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxuriously smooth contrast. A cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee rounds out the experience perfectly, making every bite feel like a decadent afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on rustic wooden boards for a farmhouse feel, or plate individual portions in clear glass jars layered with extra crumble and caramel drizzle for a charming twist. You can even offer mini versions for parties, topped with a tiny caramel swirl or apple wedge to impress your guests with style and heartwarming flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cheesecake tightly with cling film or store in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste just as wonderful, if not better, the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake swaddled in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, then freshen it up with a warm salted caramel drizzle for that just-baked experience.

Reheating

If you prefer your caramel warm, gently reheat the sauce in short bursts in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling. The cheesecake itself is best enjoyed chilled, but you can let slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While eating apples work well due to their balanced sweetness and texture, you can experiment with varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for extra juiciness. Just adjust the sugar as needed to keep the balance right.

What if I don’t have a springform tin?

If a springform tin isn’t available, use a regular cake or pie pan lined with parchment paper for easier removal. Just be gentle when releasing the cheesecake to keep the layers intact.

How can I make the salted caramel sauce thicker?

To thicken the caramel, simmer it a little longer after adding the cream, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, chill it in the fridge to allow it to firm up before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, though it requires some tweaks. Substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, and use coconut cream instead of double cream. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

Can I prepare parts of this Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe in advance?

Definitely! The biscuit base and crumble topping can be made up to a day ahead and chilled separately. The caramel sauce can also be made 3 days in advance and reheated when ready to serve, making your dessert prep smooth and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day—rich, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s perfect for celebrations or a special weekend treat, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Trust me, once you make this at home, it will become your go-to recipe to impress friends, satisfy sweet cravings, and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. So grab your apron and get ready to bake a slice of absolute happiness.