This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for apple lovers and cheesecake fans alike. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, and a spiced apple topping finished with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, each bite captures the flavors of fall. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress, this indulgent cheesecake will be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then add the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring a compact layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined and creamy. Add the vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix to avoid air bubbles in the filling.
- Gently fold in the sour cream and heavy cream until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks. Remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Make the Apple Topping
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring to coat the apples in the spiced mixture.
- Cook the apples for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. If using, add the chopped walnuts and cook for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat and allow the apple topping to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until it melts into a golden caramel.
- Add the butter and stir until completely melted, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so stir carefully.
- Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth. Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before using.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Once the cheesecake has set and cooled, carefully spoon the apple topping over the surface, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple topping.
- For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon.
7. Serve
- Carefully remove the springform pan ring and slice the cheesecake into portions. Serve with extra caramel sauce on the side if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This nutritional estimate is based on a serving size of 1/12th of the cheesecake:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
1. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
- Yes! In fact, this cheesecake is best made the day before serving to allow it to fully set in the fridge.
2. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
- A water bath helps prevent cracks by ensuring even baking. Gradually cooling the cheesecake also minimizes the chance of cracking.
3. Can I use different apples?
- Yes, varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well due to their firm texture and flavor balance.
4. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
- A springform pan is ideal for easy release, but if you don’t have one, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for lifting.
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the filling can introduce too much air, which may cause the cheesecake to rise and then crack.
- Cool Slowly: Sudden temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack. Let it cool gradually in the oven before transferring it to the fridge.
- Use a Reliable Springform Pan: A good-quality springform pan with a tight seal prevents any water from the water bath from seeping into the cheesecake.
- Choose the Right Apples: For a topping with both texture and flavor, use firm apples that won’t turn mushy during cooking, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
- Cheesecake freezes well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Caramel Sauce:
- If the caramel sauce thickens in the fridge, warm it slightly in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy, spiced, and sweet flavors, making it an indulgent treat for any occasion. With its layers of graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, warm apple topping, and homemade caramel drizzle, it’s sure to impress at holiday gatherings or family dinners. With some simple tips to prevent cracks and steps for a foolproof caramel sauce, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. Enjoy a slice of this luxurious dessert with loved ones and savor the flavors of fall in every bite!