Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

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Cheesecake is one of those universally beloved desserts—rich, creamy, and indulgent. But when you introduce the cozy flavors of fall—caramel and apple—it becomes something truly special. This Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake recipe is a seasonal showstopper that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a treat-yourself moment. Best of all? It’s deceptively simple to make.

The combination of silky cheesecake, spiced apples, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce makes every bite a delicious celebration of flavor and texture. Imagine sinking your fork into a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a luscious cheesecake layer, topped with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples and golden caramel. That’s the kind of dessert dreams are made of.

What sets this recipe apart is its balance. While it’s rich and satisfying like a traditional cheesecake, the brightness of the apples and the sweet-salty notes of the caramel keep it from feeling too heavy. It’s the perfect blend of comforting and elegant—easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a dinner party.

Using store-bought caramel and simple ingredients, this dessert comes together with minimal effort. There’s no need for a water bath or complicated techniques. Just a straightforward process that delivers bakery-quality results every time.

The spiced apple topping brings a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy cheesecake. The apples are sautéed until just tender, then layered on top and finished with warm caramel. You can make the topping ahead of time or even customize it with nuts or a crumble topping if you like a bit of crunch.

This cheesecake is also a great make-ahead option. It needs time to chill and set properly, so you can prepare it the day before your event. That means less stress and more time to enjoy the celebration—or your quiet evening in.

If you’re a fan of apple pie and cheesecake, this recipe is the best of both worlds. The familiar flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crust will remind you of a classic apple pie, while the smooth, creamy filling is unmistakably cheesecake.

It’s a dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia, with just the right amount of indulgence. And because it’s so simple to prepare, it’s a great recipe for beginner bakers or anyone who wants big flavor without too much fuss.

Whether you serve it as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something delicious, this Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.

Servings: 12

Time:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Apple Topping:

• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

To Finish:

• 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and sour cream.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling into the crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
5. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. While the cheesecake chills, prepare the apple topping. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender. Let cool.
7. Before serving, spoon the apple topping over the chilled cheesecake and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Tips:

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice flavor contrast.
• To avoid cracks, don’t overmix the batter and let the cheesecake cool slowly.
• For extra flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
• Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling for a smoother finish.

Summary: This Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake blends the best of fall flavors with creamy, dreamy cheesecake. With a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and rich caramel, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make and impossible to resist.