Indulge in the perfect marriage of creamy cheesecake, tangy apples, and rich caramel with this decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake recipe.
Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dessert will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
With layers of smooth cheesecake, sweet apple filling, and drizzles of caramel sauce, each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures.
Follow along to learn how to create this irresistible treat in your own kitchen.
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:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Make the Apple Filling:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Cook until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Spread the apple filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill:
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Drizzle with Caramel:
Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Fat: Approximately 20g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g per serving
- Protein: Approximately 6g per serving
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe. However, feel free to make your own caramel sauce if you prefer.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
Certainly! While apples complement the caramel flavor beautifully, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or berries.
3. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The edges of the cheesecake should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracking.
4. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Drizzle with caramel just before serving.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover slices of cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.