A Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake combines the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the sweet, tart apples and gooey caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert! This is the perfect fall treat or a showstopper for any gathering. Here’s a detailed recipe for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth caramel apple cheesecake.
Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
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
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Apple Topping:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact crust.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, using an electric mixer. Add the sugar and continue to beat until combined and creamy.
- Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently between each addition to avoid over-beating (which can cause cracks).
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracks.
- After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on the counter.
- Once it’s cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
4. Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using), cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the apples are nicely coated.
- Add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the caramel apple topping cool to room temperature before using.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- After the cheesecake has fully chilled, remove it from the fridge.
- Spoon the caramel apple topping evenly over the cheesecake, ensuring the apples are well distributed.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra layer of luxury and sweetness.
6. Serve:
- Slice the cheesecake with a warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean slices).
- Serve chilled, optionally topped with extra whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips:
- For the Best Texture: Be sure your cream cheese is softened properly before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Extra Caramel: If you want to make your own caramel sauce, cook sugar until it melts, then add butter and cream to create a rich, homemade sauce.
- Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples offer a nice tart contrast to the sweetness, but you can use other varieties for a different flavor profile.
- Optional Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, toasted coconut, or a bit of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor.
This Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake will definitely impress your guests! It’s creamy, rich, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart with the addition of caramel and spiced apples. Perfect for any celebration or as a cozy, fall-inspired dessert!