Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is a creamy and decadent recipe, which is made with fresh apples and a rich caramel topping. It’s the perfect fall dessert, a true showstopper for any occasion.

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
• 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar

For the Cheesecake:

• 1 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 3 Tbsp. jarred caramel topping
• 3 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

For the Topping:

• 2 medium Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup jarred caramel topping

How To Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake

1. Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by wrapping the outside with a double layer of heavy-duty foil and spraying the inside with nonstick spray. In a bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom and 1 ½ inches up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the apple layer and cheesecake batter: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Arrange the sliced apple in an even layer in the bottom of the cooled crust and drizzle with caramel. In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add the brown sugar and flour and beat until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, then beat in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Bake in a water bath: Spread the cheesecake batter evenly over the apples. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until the center is almost set.
4. Cool and chill: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Cover and chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
5. Make the topping: In a microwavable bowl, combine the sliced apples, cinnamon, and ½ tablespoon of water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, until the apples are tender. Let the apples cool completely.
6. Serve: Remove the sides of the springform pan. Top the chilled cheesecake with the cooled apples and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent cheesecake from cracking? The water bath (bain-marie) is the most important step. It creates a humid environment in the oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake gently and evenly, which is the key to a crack-free surface.
• Can I make this ahead of time? This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Cheesecakes need at least 8 hours to chill and set properly, so making it the day before you plan to serve it is ideal.
• What are the best apples for this recipe? Using a mix of a sweet apple like Honeycrisp and a tart apple like Granny Smith provides a wonderful balance of flavor in the topping.
• How do I know when the cheesecake is done? The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle to it (like Jell-O). It will continue to set as it cools.

What To Serve With Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This decadent dessert is a showstopper all on its own.

• A cup of hot coffee or a chai tea latte
• A dollop of fresh, unsweetened whipped cream
• A small glass of dessert wine or apple brandy

How To Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• Refrigerate: The cheesecake must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered or in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 9g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mini Apple Pies Recipe
• Quick and Easy Apple Tart Recipe
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe