Dessert

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Recipe

ByVictor Layne January 30, 2026January 30, 2026

Introduction

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake combines the best of fall flavors into one indulgent dessert. With a creamy cheesecake base, tender spiced apples, and a rich salted caramel topping, it’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.

A slice of cheesecake on a white plate sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown crumb crust. Above it is a thick, creamy off-white cheesecake layer. On top of this is a layer of sliced bananas arranged closely. Caramel sauce drips over the bananas and down the sides of the cheesecake. The top of the slice is sprinkled with light brown crumbly bits. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (for caramel)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
1 teaspoon sea salt (for caramel)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water (water bath) and bake for 55-65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 5: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for about an hour to cool gradually. Then refrigerate for at least four hours to set completely.
Step 6: While the cheesecake chills, cook the diced apples with 2 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a skillet over medium heat until the apples are soft. Let the mixture cool.
Step 7: To make the salted caramel sauce, melt 1 cup sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cubed butter followed by the heavy cream. Stir in sea salt until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 8: Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the apple mixture evenly over the top. Drizzle with the salted caramel sauce just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet caramel.
If you prefer, substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits for the crust.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top along with caramel.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, add the apples and caramel just before serving. Leftover cheesecake can be reheated slightly at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften the caramel before eating.

How to Serve

A slice of creamy cheesecake with a thick, dark brown crust at the bottom, topped with large banana pieces and drizzled generously with golden caramel sauce that flows down the sides. On top of the bananas, there is a crumbly, light brown streusel layer adding texture. The cheesecake sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake benefits from chilling overnight. Prepare everything in advance, but add the spiced apples and caramel sauce just before serving to keep them fresh.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps maintain even heat and moisture, which reduces cracking. Also, cooling it gradually in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent sudden temperature changes.