Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake: A Delightful Dessert Experience

When you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a sweet treat, a Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the ideal choice. This delicious dessert combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the warmth of spiced apples and the sweetness of caramel, creating a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Today, we’ll walk through this fantastic recipe, explore its benefits, and provide tips to ensure your baking adventure is successful.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (588 grams sliced)
- 3 tbsp salted butter (42 grams)
- 1-2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
- 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice (to taste)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
For the Crust:
- 3 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (300 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp salted butter, melted (155 grams)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (use the full-fat, block style)
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (308 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (48 grams)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp, or 57 grams)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparations

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you read through the entire recipe. It may seem intricate due to the multiple components, but breaking it down into manageable steps over a day or two can alleviate stress.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel and slice the apples into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. In a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for 8-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples reach your desired tenderness. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a splash of cider or water. If the filling isn’t thickening, mix cornstarch with water and incorporate it into the apple mixture, cooking for an additional 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer the finished filling to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Combine the crust ingredients in a bowl and press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, extending it slightly up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then set it aside while keeping the oven on.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Ensure all cheesecake ingredients are at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and mix until well combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Add the remaining filling ingredients and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust, then spread the apple filling evenly on top. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the apple layer and smooth the top.

Step 6: Create a Water Bath

To achieve a creamy texture, place a large pot of water on the stove and a large roasting pan in the oven. To prevent leaks, place the cheesecake pan on a rack in the center of the oven or wrap it in foil and place it inside the roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan carefully.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 30 to 1 hour and 50 minutes. It should have slight puffing at the edges, a matte top, and a slight wobble in the center. The interior temperature should read 150 to 155°F (65 to 68°C). After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for about an hour.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

After cooling, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature before covering it with foil and refrigerating for at least 6 hours, or up to 12 hours.

Step 9: Make the Topping and Caramel

Prepare the crumble topping by mixing all ingredients in a bowl, cutting the butter until crumbly, and baking in the oven. The caramel sauce can be made simultaneously. Allow both to cool before assembly.

Step 10: Final Assembly

Top the chilled cheesecake with your prepared apple pie topping, followed by the crumble topping and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Slice, serve, and enjoy the decadence.

Benefits of This Craft

Creating a Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides a remarkable baking experience. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, gatherings, holidays, and family celebrations, allowing you to channel your inner baker. Furthermore, the combination of flavors introduces various spices that contribute to health benefits, such as cinnamon, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. The apples add fiber and vitamins, making this dessert a delicious treat with a hint of nutritional value.

Tips for Success

Before you start baking, consider these useful tips:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to allow for a smoother batter.
Be patient when baking; over-baking can lead to a dry cheesecake.
Use a water bath to keep your cheesecake creamy.
Allow sufficient cooling time to set the texture before serving.

What Does It Taste Like?

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake features a luscious creamy texture paired with a rich caramel flavor. The spiced apple filling adds a hint of tartness balanced beautifully by the sweet and salty caramel topping. When you indulge in a slice, you’ll experience the crunch of the crumble topping complementing the creaminess of the cheesecake, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.

How To Store

To preserve the quality of your cheesecake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to a week. The crumble and caramel sauce should also be stored separately to maintain their textures.

Conclusion

A Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The layers of flavor and texture make this a crowd-pleaser worthy of any occasion. By following the outlined steps, you can produce a stunning cheesecake that will be the star of your dessert table.

FAQ

Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, the cheesecake can be made up to a day ahead of serving time. Just ensure you refrigerate it well.

Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a lovely tartness, other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji will also work well.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular round cake pan but be aware that removing the cheesecake might be trickier. Lining the bottom with parchment paper can help.

Can I freeze leftover cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself and your loved ones to this sumptuous Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. It’s a dessert that will surely create lasting memories!

Apple Cheesecake with Caramel and Crumble Topping