This Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake with spiced apples and a salty-sweet caramel drizzle, creating an irresistible dessert. It’s a perfect apple dessert recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the best texture.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: You can use digestive biscuits or shortbread for the crust.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is fine, or make your own for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup prepared caramel sauce
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: 5-6 hours
- Servings: 8-10
- Tools Needed: 9-inch springform pan, mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. You can wrap the bottom with aluminum foil if you plan to use a water bath, which helps prevent cracks.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Apple Topping
While the crust bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Let them cool slightly. This apple dessert recipe always benefits from perfectly spiced apples.
4. Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, just until combined, then stir in the vanilla extract. Do not overmix, as this can lead to cracks.
5. Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon half of the apple topping over the filling, then top with the remaining cheesecake filling. Spoon the rest of the apple topping on top, creating a beautiful layered apple dessert. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
6. Chill Your Cheesecake
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracking. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
7. Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Once chilled, gently run a knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform. Warm the caramel sauce slightly, then stir in the sea salt flakes. Drizzle generously over the top of your cheesecake. This final touch makes it a truly spectacular apple dessert recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crust: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust.
- Spiced Filling: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger to the cheesecake filling for more warmth.
- Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for varied sweetness and texture in this apple dessert recipe.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Freezing is not recommended for this particular apple dessert recipe, as the texture can change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Why did my cheesecake crack?
A: Cracks can happen from overmixing the batter, baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. Slow cooling in the oven helps prevent this.
Q: Can I use pre-made pie crust?
A: While possible, a graham cracker crust provides the best texture and flavor for this cheesecake.
Q: What kind of apples are best for the topping?
A: Granny Smith offers a tart balance, while Honeycrisp provides a nice sweet-tart flavor and holds its shape well.
Q: Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
A: Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will elevate the flavor even further. Just ensure it’s cooled before drizzling.
Q: How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
A: The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.
Q: Can I prepare this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Yes, it’s best made the day before you plan to serve it, allowing ample time to chill and set properly. This makes it an ideal apple dessert recipe for entertaining.