The smell of baked apples and caramel always reminds me of Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house. The oven would fog the windows, and everyone would sneak in for “just a bite.” This Caramel Apple Cheesecake brings that same warmth to your kitchen. Each bite feels cozy, creamy, and full of fall magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake blends creamy cheesecake, buttery streusel, and sweet caramel apples. The texture feels rich yet balanced with each layer. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving desserts or any chilly weekend baking session. You can even make it ahead to keep your day stress-free and focused on family time.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe combines the comfort of apple pie with the indulgence of cheesecake. It’s simpler than a classic cheesecake, with a shorter chill time and a crisp, flavorful crust. The caramel drizzle and oat streusel bring extra texture and depth. Also, you can freeze it ahead, so it’s ideal for planning your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredient Overview
Crust
You’ll mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it feels like wet sand. Press it gently into your 9-inch dish for a firm, crisp base. If graham crackers aren’t available, digestive biscuits work beautifully.
Cheesecake Filling
Use cream cheese, brown sugar, sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Make sure all ingredients are room temperature. This small step keeps your cheesecake silky smooth and lump-free.
Apple Layer
Combine Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples for a mix of tart and sweet. Toss them with cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice. The caramel melts into the apples and adds that irresistible golden shine.
Streusel Topping
Mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Keep it chilled before baking so the crumble stays crisp and crumbly. It adds a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Step 1 – Make the Crust
Combine crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into a 9-inch dish and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Let it cool while you prepare the next layers.
Step 2 – Prepare the Streusel
In a small bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until it forms soft crumbles. Chill the mixture in the fridge so it stays firm.
Step 3 – Mix the Apples
Toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The lemon brightens the flavor while keeping the apples fresh.
Step 4 – Beat the Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, vanilla, and egg. Mix just until combined to avoid cracks later.
Step 5 – Assemble & Bake
Spread the cheesecake filling over your crust. Layer the apple mixture on top, then drizzle caramel and sprinkle your cold streusel. Lower the oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 45 minutes. Tent with foil in the last 10–15 minutes so it doesn’t brown too much.
Step 6 – Cool, Chill, & Serve
Cool the pie at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, drizzle extra salted caramel and slice carefully with a clean knife.
Helpful Tips & Storage Notes
Always chill before slicing for neat, clean cuts. Use both tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor. Cold streusel holds its shape and bakes beautifully. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, warm each slice slightly for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter, or it may crack. Avoid using cold cream cheese; it won’t blend smoothly. Never skip pre-baking the crust or you’ll end up with a soggy base. Finally, keep an eye on the apples — overbaking can make them mushy.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish
- Food processor
- Hand or stand mixer
- Pastry cutter
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
These tools help keep prep quick and cleanup easy.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe Card
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake | Amazing Fall Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 0 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy caramel apple cheesecake with a crisp graham crust, spiced apple layer, and buttery oat streusel. Cozy and perfect for Thanksgiving desserts.
Ingredients
Crust
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (180 g)
¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (85 g)
Streusel Topping
⅓ cup old fashioned rolled oats (28 g)
3 Tbsp all purpose flour (24 g)
3 Tbsp packed brown sugar (40 g)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed (28 g)
Apple Layer
2 cups peeled, thinly sliced and chopped apples, Honeycrisp and Granny Smith (250 g)
1 Tbsp packed brown sugar (13 g)
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 to 3 Tbsp salted caramel, plus more for serving
Cheesecake Filling
12 oz full fat brick cream cheese, room temp (339 g)
½ cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
3 Tbsp sour cream (45 g)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press gently into a 9 inch pie dish. Bake 10 minutes and set aside.
2. Make streusel: Stir oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until sandy and clumpy. Chill the streusel.
3. Prepare apples: Toss apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Make filling: Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, then beat in egg just until combined.
5. Assemble: Spread cheesecake filling over crust. Top with the apple mixture. Drizzle 2 to 3 Tbsp caramel evenly. Sprinkle chilled streusel over apples.
6. Lower oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake 45 minutes. Tent with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent over browning.
7. Cool on a rack for 1 hour, then chill at least 2 hours or up to 2 days until fully set.
8. Before serving, drizzle more salted caramel. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.
Notes
Use both tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
Keep streusel cold so it bakes crisp. Freeze briefly if it softens.
Do not overmix the filling to reduce cracks.
Room temperature cream cheese and egg make a silky texture.
Make ahead: chill up to 2 days. Or freeze after chilling. Note that the topping may soften.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Non US swaps: use 200 g crushed digestive biscuits, ⅓ cup sugar, and 6 Tbsp butter for the crust.
Special tips: do not over pack the crust, tent the pie near the end, and wipe the knife between slices.
Texture profile: creamy cheesecake, soft apples, crisp crust, and crumbly streusel.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love creamy cheesecakes with a twist, try these too:
- Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Bars – a patriotic twist on classic cheesecake
- Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake – fruity flavor meets creamy indulgence
- Blackberry Cheesecake – a rich and tangy take perfect for seasonal desserts
- Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream – the frozen spin on a cheesecake favorite
- Mango Cheesecake (No Bake) – tropical flavor with no oven required
- Luscious Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake – bold flavors in a festive cheesecake
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is a showstopper for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall evening. The mix of soft apples, creamy filling, and golden caramel brings warmth to every bite. Share it with loved ones or post your version online — tag me on Pinterest or Facebook. For more caramel inspiration, check out the Serious Eats guide on making homemade caramel.
FAQs
What pairs with caramel apple?
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg go beautifully with caramel apples. Try pairing with coffee, cider, or vanilla ice cream for extra comfort.
Why won’t my caramel stick to my apples?
If apples have wax or moisture, the caramel slides off. Wipe them dry and use room-temperature apples for better coating.
What kind of apples are best for cheesecake?
A mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith gives both sweetness and tang. This combo holds up well in baking too.
Does Cheesecake Factory have caramel apple cheesecake?
Yes, they do! It’s one of their seasonal offerings, though this homemade version tastes even fresher and feels extra special.