Description
Indulgent Caramel Apple Cheesecake combines creamy richness with autumn’s sweet charm. Crunchy graham cracker crust and luscious caramel drizzle invite you to savor each delectable bite of seasonal perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely crushed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick/113 grams) melted butter
Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 325F (165C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray for easy release.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter in a mixing bowl, pressing the mixture compactly into the pan’s bottom to create a solid foundation.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth in a large bowl, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract while blending thoroughly.
- Gently fold eggs into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, maintaining a velvety consistency.
- Distribute half the cheesecake batter across the crust, strategically placing apple slices to create an even layer. Cascade caramel sauce over the apples and dust with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Pour remaining cheesecake batter to completely cover the initial apple layer, then artfully arrange the final apple slices on top.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce across the surface, creating an enticing visual pattern.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center sets with a gentle wobble. Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Before serving, optional additional caramel sauce can enhance the presentation and taste.
Notes
- Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar quantities to create a lighter, healthier dessert option.
- Prevent apple slices from browning by tossing them in lemon juice before layering in the cheesecake.
- Ensure smooth cheesecake texture by bringing cream cheese to room temperature and beating ingredients slowly to avoid air bubbles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 426 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 204 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg