Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Recipes

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 12 full sheets)
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

  • 32 ounces cream cheese (four 8-ounce packs), softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for topping
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith for tartness)

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter

Instructions:

  1. Prep:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
  2. Crust:
    • Pulse graham crackers in a food processor to get crumbs, mix with melted butter and salt, then press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool on a rack.
  3. Filling:
    • Beat cream cheese in a stand mixer (or with an electric mixer) until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in sugar and flour on low speed until just combined. Stir in caramel sauce. Blend in vanilla and cream. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in chopped apples. Pour over crust.
  4. Topping:
    • Combine topping ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over the filling. (Double the topping if desired.)
  5. Bake:
    • Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 200°F and continue baking for 55 minutes to 1 hour, until set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and cool the cheesecake inside for 15 minutes.
  6. Cool and Serve:
    • Remove, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Donna’s Notes:

  • Plan to make this cheesecake a day in advance for the best results.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Choose firm-flesh apples for the best texture in the cheesecake.
  • Beat cream cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth cheesecake texture.
  • Mix eggs minimally to avoid incorporating too much air.
  • Cooling in the oven helps prevent cracks for a smooth top.

Savor this decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake, a perfect blend of creamy filling, crisp apples, and sweet caramel, ideal for any special occasion or gathering.