Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

When the crisp scent of apples and cinnamon fills the air, and the leaves turn shades of amber and gold, there’s one dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn — Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake.

This show-stopping dessert takes the best of two classics — creamy New York-style cheesecake and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pie — and fuses them into one unforgettable creation. Each bite combines the tang of cream cheese, the sweetness of caramel, and the cozy comfort of baked apples. It’s smooth, rich, and layered with textures that feel like a hug in dessert form.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave something spectacular, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks bakery-worthy but is completely doable at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

• Two desserts in one: Apple pie meets cheesecake in the most delicious way.
• Perfect texture: Silky, creamy cheesecake balanced by tender spiced apples and a buttery graham crust.
• Beautiful presentation: Drizzled with salted caramel for a glossy, irresistible finish.
• Make-ahead friendly: Cheesecakes actually taste better after chilling overnight!
• The taste of fall in every bite: Apples, cinnamon, caramel — all the cozy vibes.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Apple Pie Layer

• 3 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup caramel sauce

For the Topping

• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Flaky sea salt for garnish
• Optional: extra apple slices or crushed graham crumbs for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Apple Pie Layer

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook until apples begin to soften, about 5–7 minutes.

Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes). Add sugar and continue mixing until well combined.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and caramel sauce until smooth.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the baked crust. Add the cooked apples in an even layer. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter.

Use a knife to gently swirl the layers if desired for a marbled effect.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

Place the pan on a large baking sheet. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.

Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This prevents cracks.

6. Chill

Remove from oven, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

7. Finish with Salted Caramel

Before serving, drizzle the cheesecake generously with salted caramel sauce. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and garnish with apple slices or graham crumbs if desired.

Slice and serve chilled for the ultimate indulgence.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake

A rich and creamy cheesecake layered with cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery graham crust, and drizzled with salted caramel.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon

Apple Pie Layer

• 3 apples peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs large
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup caramel sauce

Topping

• 0.5 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt for garnish

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Skillet
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crust ingredients and press into a springform pan. Bake 10 minutes, then cool.
2. Cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until softened. Add cornstarch mixture to thicken, then cool.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and caramel until combined.
4. Pour half the cheesecake batter over crust, add apple mixture, then remaining batter.
5. Bake 55–65 minutes until center is set. Cool in oven 1 hour, then refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
6. Before serving, drizzle with salted caramel and sprinkle sea salt.

Tips for Cheesecake Success

1. Room temperature ingredients: Softened cream cheese and eggs prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
2. Don’t overbeat: Overmixing adds air, which can cause cracks during baking.
3. Use a water bath (optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, place your pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides.
4. Chill thoroughly: Cheesecake needs time to set and develop its flavor — overnight is best.
5. Homemade caramel: Make your own salted caramel for an extra buttery, deep flavor.

Making Your Own Salted Caramel (Optional)

If you want to go the extra mile, homemade salted caramel takes this cheesecake from amazing to unforgettable.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber in color.
2. Stir in butter until smooth.
3. Slowly whisk in cream (it will bubble!).
4. Remove from heat and stir in salt.
   Let cool before drizzling over your cheesecake.

Variations

• Caramel Pecan Apple Cheesecake: Add chopped toasted pecans to the apple layer for crunch.
• Oat Crumble Topping: Sprinkle a buttery oat streusel on top before baking.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for perfect single-serve desserts.
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Use a square pan and cut into bars for easy serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with thin apple slices and a drizzle of extra caramel.
• Pair with a warm latte, apple cider, or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent fall treat.

Storage & Make-Ahead

To Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Make Ahead:
Cheesecake always tastes better after a day in the fridge, so feel free to make it the day before your event.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 540
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 8g
• Sugar: 41g
• Sodium: 280mg

Why This Dessert Is Worth Every Bite

The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake isn’t just another dessert — it’s an experience. The soft baked apples with cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth, while the cheesecake layer adds a velvety richness. The salted caramel ties it all together, balancing sweetness with a hint of salt.

It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, elegant without being fussy, and perfect for any special occasion. From fall gatherings to holiday dinners, this dessert will be the centerpiece that everyone remembers.