Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Best Fall Dessert Ever!

Are you tired of the same old pumpkin pie on your autumn dessert table? Nothing says fall quite like the irresistible combination of caramel and apples, but when you transform these classic flavors into a luscious cheesecake, magic happens! This Caramel Apple Cheesecake delivers the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, warm spices, and sweet caramel that simply melts in your mouth with every bite.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! As someone who’s tested countless fall dessert recipes in my kitchen, I can confidently say this caramel apple cheesecake stands head and shoulders above the rest. The first time I served this at a family gathering, my apple-dessert-skeptic uncle asked for seconds then the recipe!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect apples, creating that luscious caramel, achieving the ideal cheesecake texture, and answering all your baking questions. Let’s create a dessert that will have everyone at your table asking for another slice!

Why This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe Works

• Uses simple ingredients that capture authentic fall flavors
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays and gatherings
• Combines three beloved desserts: cheesecake, apple pie, and caramel treats
• Impressive presentation with minimal decorating skills required
• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Best Apples for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Selecting the right apples makes all the difference in your cheesecake. Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness to balance the sweet caramel, while maintaining their structure during baking. However, you can also use Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile or Braeburn for something in-between.

Quality Ingredients for Perfect Texture

For the creamiest cheesecake base, room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese leads to lumps that never fully incorporate. Philadelphia brand cream cheese consistently produces the smoothest results, but any full-fat cream cheese will work beautifully.

Caramel Options

You can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time, but homemade caramel creates an incomparable depth of flavor. Look for caramel sauce in the ice cream topping aisle, or make your own with just sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt.

Ingredients & Prep for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Crust Essentials

• Graham crackers or gingersnap cookies
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Cheesecake Filling

• Full-fat cream cheese (3 8oz packages)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs (at room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice

Apple Topping

• Peeled, diced apples
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cornstarch (to thicken)

Caramel Layer

• Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Sea salt (optional for salted caramel variation)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake

1. Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature (about 2 hours).
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
3. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water leakage during baking.
4. Prepare a water bath by filling a larger baking dish with about 1 inch of hot water.

Creating the Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake Base

1. Pulse graham crackers or gingersnaps in a food processor until finely ground.
2. Mix in melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool while preparing the filling.

Mixing and Baking Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating fully between additions.
3. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and spices until just combined.
4. Pour half the cheesecake batter over the crust.
5. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of caramel sauce.
6. Add remaining batter and smooth the top.
7. Place in the water bath and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until edges are set but center still has a slight wobble.

Cooling and Setting Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake

1. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour.
2. Remove from oven and water bath, then cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Avoiding Common Cheesecake Problems

• Prevent cracks by not overmixing the batter and using a water bath
• If cracks appear, simply cover with apple topping no one will know!
• Never open the oven door during the first 45 minutes of baking
• Cool gradually to prevent the cheesecake from sinking or cracking

Tool Recommendations

• Springform pan (essential for easy removal)
• Stand mixer or hand mixer (for smoothest batter)
• Food processor (for creating the perfect crust)
• Instant-read thermometer (cheesecake is done at 150°F in the center)

Storage & Serving

• Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days
• For freezing, slice first then wrap individual pieces for easy defrosting

For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out my collection of fall recipes on Pinterest where you’ll find dozens more seasonal treats to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Flavor Variations for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Salted Caramel Version

Add flaky sea salt to your caramel sauce for that irresistible sweet-salty balance that elevates this dessert to gourmet status.

Bourbon Apple Caramel

Add a tablespoon of bourbon to your apple mixture for a sophisticated adult version that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust to make this dessert accessible to everyone at your table.

Serving Suggestions for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
• Serve alongside coffee or hot apple cider for the perfect fall pairing
• For extra decadence, drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed pecans, or a small apple slice for presentation

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath?

Yes, but a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking. If skipping it, bake at 300°F instead and expect possible cracking (which you’ll cover with topping anyway).

How do I know when my cheesecake is done?

The edges should be set but the center should still have a slight wobble like Jell-O. It will continue firming up as it cools.

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?

Absolutely! While homemade caramel has incredible flavor, quality store-bought caramel sauce saves time without sacrificing too much taste.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cheesecakes crack from overmixing (introducing too much air), baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. Follow the gradual cooling instructions for best results.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the way the tangy cheesecake, warm autumn spices, and sweet caramel come together in this Caramel Apple Cheesecake. It’s not just a dessert it’s a celebration of fall’s finest flavors in every bite. Perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a cozy autumn evening.

I’d love to see your creations! Share your Caramel Apple Cheesecake photos on social media and tag FoodyDish to join the community of over 10,000 bakers who’ve made this their signature fall dessert.

Looking for more seasonal recipes? Try my Maple Pecan Cheesecake, or White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake next!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Best Fall Dessert Ever!

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake features layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a luscious caramel drizzle  a cozy fall dessert that tastes like apple pie and cheesecake in one heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup melted butter

Apple Layer:

2 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup heavy cream

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

Caramel Topping:

½ cup granulated sugar

3 tbsp butter

¼ cup heavy cream

Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

Whipped cream

Caramel drizzle

Sliced apples or chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.

3. In a skillet, cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until softened. Set aside.

4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

5. Add sour cream, heavy cream, flour, vanilla, and cinnamon; mix until creamy.

6. Pour half the batter over the crust, add half the apples, then repeat layers.

7. Bake 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set. Cool 1 hour, then chill 4 hours or overnight.

8. For caramel: melt sugar in a saucepan until amber, then stir in butter. Slowly whisk in cream and salt.

9. Drizzle caramel over cheesecake and garnish before serving.

Notes

Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for balance.

Substitute store-bought caramel for convenience.

Can be made 1–2 days in advance and refrigerated.

Add chopped pecans for texture.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 470

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake, fall dessert, apple cheesecake