Intro
When the air turns crisp and apples are in season, there’s no better dessert than a salted caramel apple pie cheesecake. This decadent treat combines three beloved flavors—spiced apple pie, creamy cheesecake, and rich salted caramel—into one showstopping dessert. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, tender cinnamon apples, and a luscious cream cheese filling, it offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty, smooth and crisp. Whether you’re planning a fall gathering or simply want something indulgent to bake on a weekend, this salted caramel apple pie cheesecake is the kind of dessert that makes the season feel extra special.
A Slice of Fall in Every Bite
What is apple pie cheesecake?
Salted caramel apple pie cheesecake is what happens when the coziest parts of fall meet the elegance of a classic dessert. Imagine layers: a crisp graham cracker crust, soft cinnamon-sugar apples, a creamy cheesecake center, and a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel. It’s rich but balanced, indulgent yet familiar.
This dessert blends the spiced warmth of apple pie with the silky texture of cheesecake, creating something that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s not just a cheesecake with apples on top—it’s a full experience. The apples are softened with brown sugar and cinnamon, layered between the crust and the cream cheese filling, so every bite includes a little of everything.
The result? A layered masterpiece that slices clean and looks stunning on the plate, perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just an afternoon when you want to bake something memorable.
How this recipe transforms two classics into one
This cheesecake takes the comforting flavors of apple pie and raises the bar. The crust is buttery and crisp, acting as the foundation for the apples—tender, spiced, and slightly caramelized. Those apples aren’t just layered on top. They’re tucked into the center of the cheesecake, which gives it a pie-like structure and a surprise element in every forkful.
The cheesecake filling itself is smooth and tangy, with sour cream and vanilla rounding out the flavors. But it’s the salted caramel sauce that brings it all together. Sweet and glossy with just the right amount of sea salt, it enhances every other layer and keeps the dessert from becoming too heavy.
This recipe doesn’t choose between cozy and impressive—it delivers both. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying cheesecake for the first time, this is a dessert that feels festive, thoughtful, and incredibly rewarding 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
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Toss to coat.
- Spread apples evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the apple layer in the pan.
- Bake cheesecake for approximately 60-70 minutes until center is almost set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- To make salted caramel sauce, heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber-colored.
- Add butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over chilled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
Choosing the Right Apples and Building Flavor
What are the best apples for caramel apple cheesecake?
Not all apples bake the same. For a dessert like salted caramel apple pie cheesecake, where apples are baked and layered into rich cream cheese filling, texture and flavor matter. You want apples that hold their shape but soften enough to create that tender, pie-like layer.
Granny Smith is a top choice thanks to its tartness, which cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and balances the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp adds a juicy, slightly sweet crunch, while Braeburn or Pink Lady offer a nice balance of tart and sweet.
Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious—they tend to turn mushy under heat. A mix of apples works wonderfully too, offering varied texture and complexity in every bite. The goal is to create a middle layer that’s soft and spiced but still toothsome enough to contrast the creaminess of the cheesecake.
Layering flavors: cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery apples
The apple layer is more than just sliced fruit—it’s built for flavor. Coating the apple slices in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour before baking does more than sweeten them. It helps thicken their juices and create a slightly caramelized texture as they bake.
That mix of warm spices and brown sugar soaks into the apples, which sit directly on top of the graham cracker crust. The heat from the oven brings everything together, softening the apples while the cinnamon and sugar deepen in flavor.
This layer not only adds texture and spice—it also helps bridge the flavors between the buttery crust and the smooth cheesecake filling. Every bite becomes a blend of crisp crust, spiced apple, tangy cream cheese, and sweet-salty caramel. It’s the kind of complexity that tastes effortless but feels luxurious.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Crust, apples, cheesecake filling—timing and techniques
Start with the crust—it needs time to cool before layering. Combine 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter in a bowl. Mix until it feels like wet sand, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake it at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding the apple layer.
Next comes the apple filling. Peel and slice 3 cups of apples, then toss them with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp all-purpose flour. This coating thickens the apple juices as they bake and helps bind the layer together.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust. The apples soften during baking and nestle into the crust, creating a base that feels like spiced pie filling under the creamy cheesecake.
Now prepare the cheesecake batter. Beat 24 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and ½ cup sour cream. The sour cream adds tang and lightens the texture.
Pour the cheesecake batter gently over the apple layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked open for about 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
Remove the cheesecake and cool it fully at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling step is key—it allows the texture to set and the flavors to meld.
Making and applying salted caramel sauce
Homemade salted caramel adds the final luxurious touch. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly. It will clump at first, then gradually turn amber-colored and liquify.
Once melted and golden, carefully stir in 6 tbsp unsalted butter until smooth. Slowly add ½ cup heavy cream, stirring the whole time—it may bubble up, so take your time. Finally, stir in 1 tsp sea salt.
Let the caramel cool for about 10–15 minutes. It should be pourable but not hot. Drizzle generously over the chilled cheesecake just before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly in the fridge but can be gently rewarmed for later use.
This salted caramel doesn’t just add sweetness. The touch of sea salt highlights the richness of the cream cheese and balances the apple’s spice. It also gives the cake that glossy, bakery-worthy finish.
Serving, Storing, and Flavor FAQs
What does salted caramel cheesecake taste like?
Salted caramel cheesecake is a dessert of contrasts in the best possible way. The cream cheese base gives it a tangy richness, while the caramel adds deep, buttery sweetness with a slightly toasted note. The sea salt cuts through that richness, keeping every bite balanced and indulgent without being cloying.
When paired with spiced apples and a graham cracker crust, the flavor becomes multidimensional. First, you get the crunch and warmth of the crust and apples. Then comes the silky cheesecake filling. Finally, the salted caramel drizzled on top brings a rich finish with just enough salt to make you want another bite.
The result is a dessert that’s creamy and smooth, but layered with the comforting flavors of fall spices, baked apples, and buttery sweetness. It’s cozy, a little elegant, and perfect for special occasions or holiday spreads.
How to chill, serve, slice, and store like a pro
Once the cheesecake has chilled for at least four hours—or overnight—it’s ready to serve. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between each cut. A chilled cake is easier to cut, holds its shape beautifully, and allows the layers to shine.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top just before serving for the best presentation. If you want extra flair, top each slice with a thin apple wedge or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Storage tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually by wrapping in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Caramel sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is apple pie cheesecake?
Apple pie cheesecake is a hybrid dessert that blends the textures and flavors of classic apple pie with creamy cheesecake. It typically features a graham cracker crust, a spiced apple layer, and a rich cream cheese filling, often topped with caramel. Each slice offers both the comfort of warm apples and the smoothness of cheesecake.
What are the best apples for caramel apple cheesecake?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tart flavor and firm texture, which hold up well during baking. Honeycrisp and Braeburn are also excellent choices if you prefer a sweeter bite. These apples provide structure and balance the richness of the cheesecake and caramel.
What does salted caramel cheesecake taste like?
Salted caramel cheesecake has a rich, buttery sweetness from the caramel and a creamy tang from the cheesecake base. The sea salt sharpens the flavors and prevents it from being too sweet, creating a dessert that’s indulgent yet well-balanced. When paired with spiced apples and a graham crust, it’s complex and comforting.
What is Oprah’s favorite apple pie?
Oprah Winfrey’s favorite apple pie has been reported as the deep-dish apple pie from the Michigan-based Pie Lady. While not a cheesecake, it’s a traditional double-crust apple pie known for its rich, buttery crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Though different in style, the flavor themes align closely with this cheesecake variation.
Conclusion
Salted caramel apple pie cheesecake brings together three timeless desserts into one unforgettable bite. With spiced apples, a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of sea-salted caramel, it’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and gourmet. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or just want something cozy to bake this season, this cheesecake delivers on every level—flavor, texture, and presentation. One slice, and you’ll see why this recipe belongs in your fall baking lineup.
