As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisper, there’s no better way to welcome the cozy vibes of autumn than with a delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake. This dessert is a perfect symphony of flavors that will make your fall gatherings even more memorable. Imagine layers of buttery graham crust, creamy caramel cheesecake, and a topping of cinnamon-spiced apples, all drizzled with luxurious salted caramel sauce. It’s sweet, it’s creamy, and it’s undeniably autumn in every bite.
Ingredients to Gather
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- Your preferred recipe or a quality store-bought option
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups of graham crumbs
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramel Cheesecake:
- 24 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ¾ cup of salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of sour cream, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
For the Cinnamon Apple Topping:
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of water
- ¼ cup of white sugar
- ¼ cup of salted caramel sauce
Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil.
- Combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool as you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- Beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, salted caramel sauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently mix in the sour cream, then add the eggs one at a time.
- Pour this filling over your prepared crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: The Water Bath Bake
- Place your cheesecake pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 55-70 minutes or until the center is just set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes with the door slightly open.
Step 4: Cinnamon Apple Topping
- Melt butter in a skillet and stir in cinnamon.
- Add the sliced apples, white sugar, and water. Cook until the apples are softened.
- Stir in the caramel sauce and cook for another minute.
Step 5: The Final Ensemble
- Once the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove it and let it chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with the cinnamon apple mixture.
- Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Serving Your Masterpiece
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake takes about 45 minutes to prep, with a total time from start to finish of approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes, making 12 delectable servings. Each slice is a delightful 456 kcal of autumn joy.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Its layers of flavor and texture make every bite a delightful experience, bringing together the essence of fall in one irresistible dessert. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake a cheesecake that’ll become a new autumn tradition in your home!
Note
The recipe provided is designed for basic purposes, meant to serve a standard portion. However, the accompanying picture features additional layers, intended for a larger gathering, but rest assured, the core recipe shared is suitable for everyday use.
