Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake

A Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for fall or any special occasion. It combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tart flavor of apples and the indulgent touch of caramel. Here’s how you can make this decadent treat!

Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

For the cheesecake filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional for a firmer texture)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for added richness)

For the caramel apple topping:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for a creamier caramel)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. You can also press it up the sides a little if you want.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the cheesecake filling:

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
   • Stir in the sour cream, flour (if using), and heavy cream until smooth.
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake the cheesecake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should look firm, and the top should have a light golden color.
   • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
   • After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool it completely on the counter. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully.

4. Prepare the caramel apple topping:

   • While the cheesecake is chilling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are softened and the sugar has dissolved into a syrup.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can refrigerate this for a bit if you prefer the topping to be colder when serving.

5. Assemble the cheesecake:

   • Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan.
   • Spoon the caramel apple topping over the cheesecake, allowing some to drip down the sides.
   • Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for that extra luxurious touch.

6. Serve and enjoy:

   • Slice the cheesecake into wedges, and enjoy the creamy, rich, and indulgent layers of caramel apple goodness. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

---

This cheesecake brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery caramel, and a creamy cheesecake base—truly a luxurious dessert! The caramelized apples on top are the perfect complement to the rich, smooth filling.

Are you planning to make this for a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something indulgent?