Description
Indulgent caramel apple cheesecake brings sweet autumn magic to dessert tables with creamy richness and warm spices. Layers of silky filling, crisp crust, and golden caramel drizzle promise delightful comfort in every delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (452 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325°F and position a rack in the center.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a compact base.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, then gradually incorporate vanilla and eggs, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
- Gently fold in sour cream and flour until the mixture is uniform and free of lumps.
- Transfer the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that sets when cooled, indicating perfect doneness.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents cracking.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they become tender and caramelized.
- Once the cheesecake has cooled, generously drizzle caramel sauce across the surface.
- Arrange the sautéed cinnamon apples evenly over the caramel layer.
- Add an additional cascade of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to set and develop rich, complex flavors before serving.
Notes
- Select high-quality cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and slight tartness in the topping.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing and baking in a water bath for even, gentle heat distribution.
- Customize for gluten-free diets by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 32 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg