Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake – Decadent Layers of Fall Flavor

The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Imagine the best of three beloved desserts — the warm spice of apple pie, the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, and the rich, buttery depth of salted caramel — all wrapped into one decadent slice. This Apple Pie Cheesecake with Salted Caramel is the kind of dessert that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.”

Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, cozy weekend baking, or any family gathering where dessert deserves a standing ovation, this recipe brings together comfort and elegance in every layer. It’s rich but balanced, sweet with a hint of salt, and spiced just enough to evoke autumn’s best flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something special, this dessert is approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to impress. It’s the kind of showstopper that earns a permanent spot in your fall baking rotation — and maybe even a few recipe requests from guests.

Why This Recipe Works

This dessert succeeds because it’s all about balance and texture:

• The cheesecake base is smooth and creamy, offering a rich contrast to the tartness of the apples and the sweetness of the caramel.
• The crust — made from graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or gingersnaps — adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of spice.
• The salted caramel brings depth and complexity, enhancing the sweetness without overwhelming it.

Each layer complements the others, creating a harmonious bite that feels indulgent but not heavy. And while it looks and tastes like something from a bakery window, it’s designed to be achievable for home bakers. With clear steps and familiar ingredients, this recipe delivers elegance without intimidation.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what goes into each luscious layer:

Crust Options

• Graham crackers: Classic and slightly sweet.
• Digestive biscuits: Mild and buttery.
• Gingersnaps: Spicy and bold — perfect for fall.

Combine crushed cookies with melted butter and a pinch of salt to form the base.

Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese: Full-fat for best texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Eggs: Bind and enrich.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth.
• Sour cream: Lightens the texture and adds tang.

Apple Pie Topping

• Fresh apples: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture.
• Butter: For sautéing and richness.
• Brown sugar: Adds molasses depth.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic fall spices.

Sauté apples until tender and caramelized.

Salted Caramel Sauce

• Store-bought: Convenient and delicious.
• Homemade: Butter, sugar, cream, and sea salt — worth the effort.

Finishing Touches

• Whipped cream: Optional but delightful.
• Sea salt flakes: Enhance the caramel.
• Chopped pecans: Add crunch and nuttiness.

Substitutions

• Gluten-free crust: Use GF cookies or oats.
• Light cream cheese: For a lower-fat version.
• Dairy-free alternatives: Use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

To make this dessert, you’ll need:

• 9-inch springform pan: Essential for cheesecake.
• Mixing bowls: For crust, filling, and topping.
• Hand or stand mixer: To beat the cheesecake filling until smooth.
• Rubber spatula: For scraping and spreading.
• Saucepan: For caramel sauce (if making homemade).
• Sharp knife & cutting board: For prepping apples.

Optional: Roasting pan for water bath — helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust Crush cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until creamy and lump-free.
3. Bake the Cheesecake Base Pour filling into crust. Place pan in a water bath and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes, until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Cool completely.
4. Prepare Apple Pie Topping Sauté sliced apples in butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until tender and caramelized. Let cool.
5. Make Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional) In a saucepan, melt sugar until amber. Add butter and cream, then stir in sea salt. Cool slightly.
6. Assemble the Dessert Once cheesecake is cool, layer apples on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Serve Slice and garnish with whipped cream, sea salt flakes, or chopped pecans.

Flavor Variations & Substitutions