Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake (Print-Friendly Version)

Rich cheesecake with cinnamon apples, graham crust, and a drizzle of salted caramel—perfect for gatherings.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Apple Pie Topping

09 - 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Salted Caramel Sauce

14 - 1 cup granulated sugar
15 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
16 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
17 - 1 teaspoon sea salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract and sour cream until just incorporated.
03 - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform. Bake for 55–65 minutes until the center is nearly set with a slight jiggle.
04 - Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set thoroughly.
05 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring often, until apples become soft and syrupy, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
06 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber. Carefully add the cubed butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream—mixture will bubble up. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let caramel cool slightly before use.
07 - Top the fully chilled cheesecake with the cooled apple pie topping. Generously drizzle with prepared salted caramel sauce before slicing and serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For best results, use room-temperature dairy ingredients and chill the cheesecake thoroughly to achieve a clean slice. Caramel can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving. Consume within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.