There is something truly magical about blending the warm, spiced flavors of apples and caramel with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe brings together a perfectly buttery crust, a smooth and velvety cheesecake layer, and a tender topping of cinnamon-spiced apples, all crowned with luscious caramel drizzle. It’s a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate and makes any occasion feel extra special. If you love seasonal sweets that combine comforting flavors with silky decadence, this is the recipe you’ll turn to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to deliver the ideal balance of flavor and texture in your caramel apple cheesecake. Each plays a critical role, from the crumbly, crisp base to the fruity topping and creamy filling.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that’s perfect for caramelization and warmth.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a classic, buttery crunch for the crust foundation.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Bring a hearty texture and nutty flavor to both crust and topping.
- Butter (melted and softened): Key to binding the crust and crisp crumb topping together with rich silkiness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient for the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling that melts on your tongue.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the cheesecake sets perfectly without cracks or sogginess.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture to just the right level.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out the cheesecake’s flavor with its warm floral notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses both the cheesecake and topping with a cozy, spiced aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a tender crumb topping that stays crisp yet delicate.
- Large apples (peeled and thinly sliced): The fresh fruit component offers juicy, tart counterpoints that complement the rich cheesecake perfectly.
- Caramel ice cream topping: A sweet, buttery drizzle to finish the dessert in pure indulgence.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get everything warm and ready. Next, combine the graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter for the crust. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer that will bake into a beautifully crisp and flavorful base. Bake it for a quick 5 minutes to set it before it cools.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
While the crust cools, gather all your filling ingredients—softened cream cheese, cornstarch, both types of sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and flour—and beat them together with an electric mixer until the texture is silky smooth and creamy. This ensures a velvety cheesecake center that is rich, yet light enough to balance the apples.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Layer
Using a spoon or offset spatula, gently dollop the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Carefully spread it out to create an even surface that completely covers the base. This gentle touch prevents over-mixing and keeps the texture luxuriously creamy once baked.
Step 4: Add the Apples and Crumb Topping
Arrange thin slices of peeled apple in a single, even layer over the cheesecake mixture. These apples will soften and mingle with the creamy filling while maintaining a tender bite. For the crumb topping, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples—this topping adds a wonderful cinnamon scent and satisfying texture after baking.
Step 5: Bake and Chill
Bake your assembled cheesecake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes. Once baked, allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before running a knife around the edges to loosen it. Cover with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Step 6: Final Touch with Caramel Drizzle
Before serving, generously drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the surface. This glossy finishing touch adds a luscious, buttery sweetness that complements every bite beautifully.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top. A few thin apple slices or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add elegance and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a refreshing cup of hot apple cider or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream elevates the dessert experience to new heights.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in clear glasses layered with a bit of caramel sauce at the bottom for a sophisticated dessert parfait. Alternatively, plate slices with a sprig of mint and a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for a stunning finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, it stays delicious and fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesecake for longer storage by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture retention.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, let it come to room temperature before serving or quickly microwave a single slice for 10-15 seconds, keeping an eye so it doesn’t become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples add a nice natural sweetness and keep their shape nicely during baking.
Is it necessary to use old fashioned rolled oats in the crust and topping?
Rolled oats add a lovely chewy texture and nutty flavor, but if you don’t have them on hand, finely chopped nuts or more graham cracker crumbs are good substitutes.
Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging it, but you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper for easier release.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Remove the cream cheese from the fridge about 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave it in short 10-second bursts until just soft enough to beat smoothly.
How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?
Make sure to mix the filling until smooth but avoid over-beating and bake at the correct temperature. Cooling the cheesecake gradually and chilling it thoroughly will also help keep cracks at bay.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your dessert table. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic that’s perfect for fall and year-round celebrations alike. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this sweet, creamy creation with your loved ones—you’ll be creating memories with every delicious slice.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake features a luscious graham cracker and oat crust topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused cheesecake layer, thinly sliced apples, and a buttery crumb topping. Finished with a drizzle of rich caramel sauce, this dessert perfectly balances the sweetness of apples and caramel with smooth, tangy cheesecake, making it a delightful treat for fall or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 8-ounce packages), softened
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Layer and Crumb Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 large apples (cored, peeled, and thinly sliced)
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, and melted butter. Mix well and firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust at 350°F for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, cornstarch, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble Cheese Layer: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth and spread the mixture to cover the crust completely, creating an even layer.
- Add Apple Layer: Arrange the thinly sliced peeled and cored apples evenly over the cheesecake layer, ensuring full coverage for balanced flavor in every slice.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the assembled cheesecake at 350°F for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and the cheesecake is set. Cool the cheesecake at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Chill Cheesecake: Run a knife along the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Add Caramel Drizzle and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the cheesecake with caramel ice cream topping. Slice into 8 servings and enjoy this delicious dessert.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
- Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet caramel.
- The crumb topping can be made ahead and refrigerated if desired.
- Ensure the cheesecake is fully chilled for the best texture when slicing.
- For easier slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
