This Caramel Apple Cheesecake brings together creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and rich caramel sauce. It’s a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day!
Honestly, every bite feels like fall! I love to serve it with some whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon. Who can say no to a slice of joy like this? 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base for your crust, providing a delicious crunch. If you can’t find graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweet cheesecake. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are great, too! If you’re looking for a spice, you can add some chopped pecans in the mix for texture.
Cream Cheese: This gives your cheesecake its classic creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel works in a pinch, but homemade is worth the effort. You can use maple syrup as a substitute for a unique flavor, just reduce the sugar in the recipe a bit!
How Do I Prevent My Cheesecake from Cracking?
One common challenge with cheesecakes is preventing cracks on the top. To avoid this, follow these tips:
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs. Cold ingredients can be more difficult to blend smoothly, leading to cracks.
- Don’t overmix. Mix until just combined, as overmixing introduces air that can create bubbles and cause cracking.
- Bake in a water bath. Placing the cheesecake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water helps maintain moisture and a consistent temperature while baking.
- Let it cool slowly. After baking, let your cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open. This gentle cooling helps avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
By following these tips, you’ll have a beautiful, creamy cheesecake without any unsightly cracks!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples (preferably a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Thin apple slices
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheesecake takes about 20 minutes of prep time, followed by about 65 minutes of baking time. After that, it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. In total, plan for about 5 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish, but it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly moistened. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue to mix until it’s fully combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the filling is smooth and creamy. Pour the cheesecake filling over your baked crust and spread it evenly.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking. Bake the cheesecake for about 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about 1 hour. After it cools, remove it from the oven and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Prepare the Apple Topping:
While your cheesecake is chilling, let’s make the tasty apple topping! In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and caramelized, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the topping to cool.
5. Make the Caramel Sauce:
Now, let’s whip up a delicious caramel sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber gold. Be careful, as it can burn quickly! Once melted, add the cut-up butter and stir until it’s melted. Gradually pour in the warm heavy cream, continuing to stir since the mixture will bubble up. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let it cool slightly before drizzling.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan and place it on your serving platter. Spoon the cooled caramelized apple topping generously over the cheesecake. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce all over the top and sides. For a lovely presentation, you can garnish with thin apple slices and sprinkle chopped nuts if you like.
7. Serve:
Slice and serve your Caramel Apple Cheesecake chilled. For an extra indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy the divine combination of creamy cheesecake, warm caramel, and tender apples!
Enjoy your luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake with warm, gooey caramel and tender apples atop creamy cheesecake and a spiced graham cracker crust! 🥧🍏
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust is traditional, you can use crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to adjust the amounts of butter and sugar accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover the top with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh!
Can I Make This Cheesecake in Advance?
Definitely! This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just prepare it, chill it, and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits!
How Can I Prevent the Cheesecake from Sinking in the Middle?
To avoid a sinking cheesecake, ensure that you do not overmix the batter and bake it until it’s just set. Allowing it to cool gradually in the oven will also help prevent sinking. If you have any cracks, don’t worry—just cover them with the apple topping!