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Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Prep Time 30 minutes
Bake & Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

For the apple topping:

  • 2 medium apples peeled & diced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

For the cheesecake filling:

  • 3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream

For the caramel drizzle:

  • ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce or homemade if you’re fancy

Instructions
 

  • 1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  • 2️⃣ In a bowl, mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
  • 3️⃣ In a skillet over medium heat, cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until just tender (5–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  • 4️⃣ Beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Blend in vanilla and sour cream until just combined.
  • 5️⃣ Pour half the filling over the crust. Spoon half the apple mixture over the filling, then add the remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth it out. Sprinkle remaining apples on top.
  • 6️⃣ Bake for 50–60 minutes, until center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  • 7️⃣ Chill at least 4 hours (or overnight). Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully here.
  • Don’t overmix the batter — keeps it from getting too airy.
  • Caramel drizzle is optional… but highly encouraged.