Here’s a recipe for Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake, a rich and decadent dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and cinnamon-spiced apples. This indulgent treat is perfect for fall or any special occasion!
Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Apple Topping:
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt (for salted caramel)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon, mixing well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.
- Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking dish. Fill the larger dish with about 1 inch of hot water (this is a water bath to prevent cracks).
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Apple Topping
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a golden amber color.
- Add the butter carefully, as it will bubble up. Stir until the butter is fully melted and combined with the sugar.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the salt (if making salted caramel).
- Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Once the cheesecake has set and chilled, spoon the caramelized apples on top.
- Drizzle with the cooled caramel sauce.
Serving:
Slice and serve this luxurious caramel apple cheesecake with extra caramel drizzle on top if desired. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of cheesecake paired with the sweetness of apples and caramel!
This dessert is sure to impress with its elegant look and indulgent flavors.