Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for apple layer); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (plus more for topping)

Two classic American desserts come together in this wildly indulgent and unforgettable Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake layered with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich drizzle of salted caramel cascading over the top. Each forkful is a sweet and salty symphony that will leave you closing your eyes in bliss.

This dessert is a true showstopper, perfect for the holidays or any special occasion when you want to impress without needing a pastry degree. It strikes a balance between cozy fall flavors and the elegance of a creamy cheesecake, making it irresistible from the first bite to the last crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Fusion of Classics: Cheesecake lovers and apple pie purists alike will be obsessed with the combination of silky cream cheese and spiced apple filling.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake sets beautifully in the fridge overnight, making it a fantastic prep-ahead dessert.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday table or a potluck, this beauty draws praise and second slices.
Decadent Texture: You get layers of crunch, creaminess, and melt-in-your-mouth caramel in every bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking, it helps to gather the right tools to ensure a seamless process.

9-Inch Springform Pan: This is essential for cheesecake. The removable ring allows you to release the cake without damaging those creamy sides.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for crust, filling, and apple topping. Opt for sturdy, medium-to-large bowls.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Whipping the cream cheese until fluffy is key to the velvety texture of the cheesecake.
Saucepan: To soften and caramelize the apples with cinnamon and sugar before layering them in.
Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients and scraping the bowl clean, ensuring no creamy goodness goes to waste.
Cooling Rack & Baking Tray: These help control temperature and ensure even cooling after baking.

Having these tools on hand not only simplifies the process but also ensures your cheesecake comes out bakery-beautiful every time.

Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provide a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
Butter – Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
Cream Cheese – The star of the show, for a lusciously smooth and tangy base.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens both the cheesecake and apple layer.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warm, aromatic depth.
Eggs – Essential for binding and creating a custard-like texture.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Offer tartness and texture to balance the richness.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg – Bring in cozy, warm spice notes.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the apple filling with a caramel-like sweetness.
Heavy Cream – For making or enhancing the salted caramel sauce.
Salted Caramel Sauce – A must for that signature sweet-salty contrast.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the apple filling.
Lemon Juice – Keeps apples fresh and adds a bit of brightness.

How To Make the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Build the Crust Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, and bake for 10 minutes until set.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pie Layer

Peel and chop the apples. Sauté them in a saucepan with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook until soft and caramelized, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Batter

Beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour half the cheesecake batter over the crust. Add a layer of cooled apple mixture, then top with remaining cheesecake batter. Bake in a water bath for about 60 minutes at 325°F. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Before serving, spoon more sautéed apples and sprinkle streusel or crushed graham crackers on top. Finish with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesecake

Serve chilled with an extra caramel drizzle and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. For slicing, run a sharp knife under hot water for clean cuts.

To store, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This cheesecake actually benefits from chilling overnight, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

What apples are best for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a tart balance to the sweet caramel.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely. Store-bought works fine, but if you have time, homemade salted caramel elevates the flavor.

Do I need a water bath?

Yes, it helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking. Wrap the pan in foil to keep water from seeping in.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid over-mixing the batter, don’t overbake, and cool gradually.

Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If you love this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, check out more decadent ideas from the blog:

Rose Pistachio Cheesecake Ice Cream for a frozen floral twist.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for cozy spice and creamy layers.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake if you love fruit and minimal prep.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake for a chocolatey chilled treat.
Pecan Pie Lasagna for layers of nutty, creamy, gooey goodness.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a homemade caramel sauce or go the store-bought route? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.