Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake – Decadent Holiday Dessert
Introduction
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of indulgent desserts with our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. This heavenly creation combines the best of three beloved desserts: apple pie, cheesecake, and salted caramel. It’s the perfect showstopper for your holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Why is it Perfect for You?
This apple pie cheesecake salted caramel dessert holiday pie cheesecake recipe party desserts is a game-changer for several reasons:
◾ It’s a crowd-pleaser, combining classic flavors in an unexpected way
◾ The layers of texture create a sensory delight
◾ It’s make-ahead friendly, perfect for busy hosts
◾ The presentation is stunning, with minimal effort required
Ingredients List
For the crust:
◾ 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
◾ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
◾ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the cheesecake:
◾ 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
◾ 1 cup granulated sugar
◾ 3 large eggs
◾ 1/4 cup heavy cream
◾ 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the apple pie layer:
◾ 4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
◾ 1/4 cup brown sugar
◾ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
◾ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the salted caramel:
◾ 1 cup granulated sugar
◾ 1/4 cup water
◾ 1/2 cup heavy cream
◾ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
◾ 1 tsp sea salt
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (plus cooling time)
Servings: 12
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Pie Layer
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the cheesecake batter, slightly overlapping them.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly for an hour.
Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel
While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the salted caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns amber in color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the cream, butter, and salt. Let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, drizzle the salted caramel over the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake!
Nutritional Information
◾ Calories: 450 per slice
◾ Fat: 28g
◾ Carbohydrates: 45g
◾ Protein: 6g
◾ Fiber: 2g
◾ Sugar: 35g
Calories per Person
Each serving of this decadent dessert contains approximately 450 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe a bit lighter, consider:
◾ Using low-fat cream cheese
◾ Substituting some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia
◾ Opting for a nut-based crust instead of graham crackers
◾ Reducing the amount of caramel drizzle
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overbaking the cheesecake, which can lead to cracks
◾ Not allowing ingredients to come to room temperature
◾ Overmixing the cheesecake batter, which can incorporate too much air
◾ Rushing the cooling process, which can cause the cheesecake to sink
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake without the apple pie layer?
Absolutely! You can omit the apple layer for a classic salted caramel cheesecake.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well as they hold their shape during baking.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
While homemade caramel sauce is preferred for its fresh flavor, you can use a high-quality store-bought version if you’re short on time.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Avoid overmixing the batter, don’t overbake, and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar.
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. Happy baking!
Contact Us
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
