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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

A luscious caramel apple cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling infused with warm spices, and topped with tender caramelized apples drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced with creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors, this dessert is an indulgent treat for fall or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

  • 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake does not stick and can be easily removed after baking.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool completely.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until silky. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them without overmixing. Stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the spices are fully blended throughout the mixture.
  4. Bake the cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
  5. Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar to cool gradually for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking. Then refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and set.
  6. Prepare the topping: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples along with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and slightly caramelized.
  7. Add caramel sauce to topping: Stir in 0.5 cup caramel sauce into the cooked apples until all the slices are evenly coated. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling the cheesecake.
  8. Serve: Top the chilled cheesecake with the warm caramelized apple mixture, then drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for an extra gooey, indulgent finish. Slice and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors.

Notes

  • For best results, use full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent a soggy base.
  • Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when done to maintain creamy texture.
  • The caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference and convenience.
  • This cheesecake is best served chilled but toppings can be added right before serving to maintain texture contrast.
  • Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, fall dessert, caramelized apple topping, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-recipe/