Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

There’s something about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and cheesecake that feels instantly comforting, indulgent, and celebratory. Now, add a luscious drizzle of salted caramel and you’ve elevated it to dessert perfection.

The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a showstopper for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or any occasion where dessert needs to feel special. The base starts with a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a smooth, rich cream cheese layer. On top, spiced sautéed apples provide a soft, flavorful filling reminiscent of classic apple pie, while a glossy layer of salted caramel ties every element together with sweetness and a hint of savory balance.

This cheesecake is both comforting and elegant. Each slice offers a medley of textures and flavors: crumbly crust, creamy cheesecake, tender apple layer, and sticky caramel sauce. It’s a dessert designed to wow without being overly complicated — the flavors speak for themselves.

Slice of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake showing creamy cheesecake layer, tender apple topping, and glossy caramel drizzle on a white plate

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The Story Behind This Dessert

Desserts that combine the familiar with the decadent often leave the most lasting impression. Apple pie evokes nostalgia and warmth, while cheesecake represents indulgence and sophistication. Layering them together is a way to enjoy the best of both worlds. The salted caramel sauce isn’t just a topping—it’s a bridge between sweetness and the hint of salt that awakens the flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy cheesecake.

This cheesecake works for:

• Holiday celebrations and Thanksgiving
• Fall-themed parties
• Special family dinners
• Brunch buffets or dessert tables

It’s versatile, indulgent, and has the kind of flavor that makes people come back for seconds.

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INGREDIENTS

For the Graham Cracker Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

For the Apple Pie Filling

• Apples, peeled and sliced
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Butter

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt

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INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool before adding cheesecake layer.

Step 2 — Make the Cheesecake

5. Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Gradually add sugar, mixing well.
7. Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly.
8. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
9. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
10. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45–55 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool.

Step 3 — Prepare Apple Pie Filling

11. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
12. Add sliced apples, lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
13. Cook until apples are tender and lightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 4 — Salted Caramel Sauce

14. In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until golden.
15. Add butter carefully and stir until combined.
16. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook until smooth.
17. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Cool to drizzle consistency.

Step 5 — Assemble Cheesecake

18. Spread apple filling evenly over cheesecake.
19. Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously on top.
20. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 6 — Serve

21. Slice carefully with a warm knife for clean layers.
22. Garnish with extra caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or thin apple slices.
23. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Tips for Perfection

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best texture.
• Let the cheesecake cool completely before adding the apples to prevent sinking.
• Warm your knife in hot water and wipe clean between slices for neat cuts.
• Make caramel sauce ahead of time; it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

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Flavor Variations

Variation	Change	Result
Maple Caramel	Use maple syrup in caramel	Deep, autumnal flavor
Spiced Nuts	Add toasted pecans on top	Crunch + nutty flavor
Bourbon Caramel	Add 1 tbsp bourbon to sauce	Warm, boozy depth
Apple Cider	Sauté apples in apple cider	Enhanced apple flavor

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Storage

• Refrigerate cheesecake covered for up to 5 days.
• Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Balances creamy cheesecake with tart-sweet apples.
• Salted caramel enhances sweetness without overpowering.
• Beautiful presentation with layers, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Flexible: can adjust sugar, spice, and caramel intensity to taste.

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