Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Why Make This Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the best parts of pie and cheesecake into one delicious treat. With its creamy filling, sweet apples, and rich salted caramel sauce, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply as a weekend treat. It is sure to impress family and friends while bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel sauce)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then take it out of the oven and let it cool.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour until the apples are well coated.
6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
7. In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
8. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
9. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is fully combined.
10. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the apples in the pan.
11. Bake the cheesecake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
12. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely, then place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
13. To make the salted caramel sauce, heat 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber in color.
14. Add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until it melts.
15. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring the mixture.
16. Take it off the heat and stir in the sea salt.
17. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake before serving.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Slice the cheesecake into wedges for serving. You can top each slice with extra salted caramel sauce and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence. This makes a wonderful dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Keep any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother texture.
• Use a variety of apples for more flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices.
• When making the caramel, keep an eye on the sugar. Once it starts melting, it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
• Let the cheesecake cool completely before adding the caramel for the best presentation.

Variation

You can add nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, to the apple layer for added crunch. Additionally, spices like nutmeg can be included for a deeper flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake is great to make a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

2. What should I do if my caramel is too thick?
If your caramel becomes too thick, you can gently heat it again and stir in a little more heavy cream to loosen it up.

3. Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use an Oreo cookie crust or even a traditional pie crust instead of the graham cracker crust.