Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

A Fall Dessert Masterpiece

If you’ve ever struggled to choose between apple pie and cheesecake at Thanksgiving, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake will solve your dilemma. With a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple pie topping, and a drizzle of salted caramel, this dessert combines the best of both worlds.

It’s one of those fall desserts ideas that not only looks stunning but also tastes like pure autumn comfort. Each slice brings together the tangy smoothness of cream cheese, the sweetness of baked apples, and the indulgent richness of caramel sauce. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for a fall gathering, this cheesecake checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

• Two desserts in one – it’s apple pie meets cheesecake.
• Perfect fall flavors – warm spices, apples, and caramel.
• Holiday centerpiece – looks as good as it tastes.
• Customizable – make it with streusel, nuts, or extra salted caramel.

This recipe is also a great way to explore apple cheesecakes variations, especially if you love experimenting with caramel fall desserts.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Apple Pie Topping

• 3 large apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of cloves

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Pinch of sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Step 1 – Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.

Step 2 – Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and flour until combined. Pour over the crust.

Step 3 – Bake Cheesecake

Place the springform pan in a larger pan with hot water (water bath). Bake 55–60 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let sit 1 hour. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4 – Cook Apple Topping

In a skillet, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook until apples are tender and caramelized.

Step 5 – Make Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until melted and amber. Add butter, whisking until smooth. Slowly add cream and a pinch of salt. Cool slightly before drizzling.

Step 6 – Assemble

Top chilled cheesecake with warm apple topping. Drizzle generously with salted caramel before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Apple Spice Cheesecake: Add 1 tsp cinnamon directly into the filling for extra warmth.
• Apple Pie Inspired Desserts: Use streusel topping for a crumble-like finish.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel for crunch.
• Shortcut Caramel: Use store-bought caramel sauce if pressed for time.

This cheesecake can be adapted into different fall baked recipes depending on your favorite flavor balance.

Why This Recipe Works

Cheesecake recipes for Thanksgiving often feel intimidating, but this one uses simple techniques that guarantee success. The water bath ensures a creamy texture without cracks, while the apple topping provides a comforting pie-like finish.

The salted caramel ties everything together, balancing the sweetness of the apples with a rich, slightly salty kick. It’s the ultimate cheesecake recipes Thanksgiving lovers will keep coming back to.

Serving & Storage

• Serve Chilled: Cheesecake holds better when served cold, but you can warm the topping slightly.
• Fridge: Store covered for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze (without apple topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQ – Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cheesecake tastes better after chilling overnight.

What apples are best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness—or a mix of both.

Do I need the water bath?
It helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake creamy, but you can bake without it if careful.

Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, but homemade salted caramel tastes fresher and richer.

Can I turn this into bars?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13 pan and reduce baking time to about 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is rich, decadent, and layered with the best fall flavors. From the graham cracker crust to the creamy filling and apple-caramel topping, it’s a dessert worth savoring.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or just want to impress your family, this recipe brings together everything we love about fall: apples, spice, cheesecake, and caramel.