Amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Okay, flavor adventurers, gather ’round! I’ve got something that’s about to blow your mind: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Yeah, you read that right. It’s a flavor collision of epic proportions, and it’s 100% Cuba Queen approved. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot, but trust me on this one. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a statement.

The first time I made this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, it was for my friend’s birthday. I wanted something unexpected, something that screamed “celebration.” Let me tell you, it delivered! The looks on their faces when they took that first bite? Pure bliss. That’s when I knew this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake was destined for greatness.

I’m talking layers of creamy cheesecake, a gooey apple pie filling bursting with cinnamon and spice, and a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel. It’s sweet, it’s salty, it’s decadent, and it’s everything you want in a show-stopping dessert. Forget boring, forget bland. We’re diving headfirst into flavor town with this masterpiece. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor fiesta, because this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is about to become your new obsession. So grab your aprons, turn up the music, and let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ingredient list is short, but mighty! We’re talking quality over quantity. Every element is crucial to that perfect bite.

Raw ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake including apples, butter, sugar, cream cheese, and spices.

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great!)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)

The secret to epic Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is using high-quality cream cheese. It makes all the difference in the texture. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store. Splurge on the vanilla extract – trust me, it elevates the whole thing. For a flavor-boosting modification, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the apple pie filling. And if you’re on a budget, you can substitute brown sugar for some of the granulated sugar in the salted caramel – it still tastes amazing! Keep your butter cold until you need it for the caramel for best results.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s break down this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake into easy, manageable steps. Don’t stress – your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is going to be incredible!

  1. Get That Crust Ready: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  2. Whip Up That Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until just combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Don’t overmix! Overmixing incorporates too much air and can cause the cheesecake to crack.
  3. Cook Down Those Apples: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  4. Make That Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, until it turns into a golden amber color. Be patient, this takes a few minutes. Once the sugar is melted and amber colored, remove from heat and immediately add butter. Stir until the butter is melted and smooth. Gradually pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly (mixture will bubble up). Return to medium heat and cook, stirring, until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
  5. Assemble the Magic: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon apple pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the apple pie filling.
  6. Bake it to Perfection: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
  7. Chill Out: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Pro tip for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake perfection: Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  8. Drizzle and Devour: Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce. Slice and serve. This is where your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake transforms into pure magic.

In my kitchen, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake takes exactly 70 minutes to bake. If your oven runs hot, check it a few minutes early. Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake should look golden brown around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center when it’s done. While your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION:

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake at dinner parties! Presentation is key when you’re dealing with something this epic.

For maximum impact, drizzle the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake with extra salted caramel sauce right before serving. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes adds a touch of elegance and intensifies the flavor. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake absolutely slays at dinner parties!

For bold pairing suggestions that complement Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of chilled Moscato or a warm cup of coffee also pairs beautifully. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.

For Instagram-worthy plating techniques, try layering a slice of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake on a bed of crumbled graham crackers and drizzling it with caramel sauce. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few apple slices.

Creative leftover transformations? Crumble leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake over ice cream or blend it into a milkshake.

Seasonal Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake variations I’ve tested include adding a hint of maple syrup to the cheesecake filling in the fall, or using a mix of berries in the apple pie filling in the summer.

FAQs:

Let’s tackle some common challenges!

  • Can I make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake spicier?
    Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple pie filling for a little kick.
  • What if I don’t have graham crackers for my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake?
    You can use digestive biscuits or even crushed shortbread cookies as a substitute.
  • How do I know when my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is perfectly done?
    The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.
  • Can I make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake ahead of time?
    Yes! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors meld together even better overnight.
  • What can I substitute for sour cream in the cheesecake filling?
    Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
    Bake it in a water bath (place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water) and let it cool in the oven with the door ajar.
  • My salted caramel sauce is too thick! What do I do?
    Add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream and stir until smooth.

My Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake testing experiences have taught me that patience is key. Don’t rush the caramel sauce – it needs time to develop that rich, amber color. This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake customization options for different tastes include using different types of apples, adding nuts to the crust, or using a different type of caramel sauce (like bourbon caramel). You got this!

CONCLUSION:

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unexpected combinations, and a whole lot of fun. It’s a dessert that makes a statement, a dessert that people will remember.

Here are my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Power Tips:

  • Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling: Overmixing can cause cracks.
  • Cool the cheesecake slowly: This prevents it from sinking in the middle.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: It makes a world of difference!

Some Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake variations I’ve created and loved include a bourbon caramel version, a pecan praline crust version, and even a mini Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake bites version. The bourbon caramel version gets the biggest reactions every time.

I have absolute confidence in your cooking success! This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is easier than it looks, and the results are truly spectacular.

Finished Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake on a platter with caramel drizzle.

So go ahead, flavor adventurers! Make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake your signature dish. Create some memories, share some smiles, and indulge in the magic of bold flavors. And when you do, be sure to share your results with me! I can’t wait to see your creations! And remember, if you love this recipe, you NEED to try my Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe.

If you want to try another cheesecake recipe with similar flavor profile, give my Apple Crisp Cheesecake a shot. You can find other similar *Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake* recipes online too, like these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars | The Girl Who Ate Everything. You may also like a salted caramel apple pie cheesecake (make-ahead!) – Blue Bowl, which you can find at salted caramel apple pie cheesecake (make-ahead!) – Blue Bowl.

For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle. This *mini Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake* reminds me of another flavor explosion, the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie – Sally’s Baking.

 
Print

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Decadent Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Slice

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds! A creamy cheesecake filling is topped with a spiced apple pie layer and drizzled with homemade salted caramel for a truly decadent dessert.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Total Time: 95 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • For the Apple Pie Filling:
  • 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and salt. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream.
  4. Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust.
  5. Make the Apple Pie Filling: In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
  6. Spoon apple mixture over cheesecake filling.
  7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  9. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber in color.
  10. Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until melted.
  11. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly (mixture will bubble). Stir in salt.
  12. Let cool slightly before drizzling over cheesecake.
  13. Remove cheesecake from springform pan and slice. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and serve.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the salted caramel drizzle.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!