Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake with Easy Cheesecake Recipe Twist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 3 apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp butter; ½ cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling

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This caramel apple cheesecake brings all the cozy dessert joy you could hope for in a single slice. The creamy cheesecake base, swirled with buttery cinnamon apples and topped with thick, glossy caramel, feels like autumn just walked into your kitchen and gave you a hug. I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that blur the line between something familiar and something fancy. This one? It hits that sweet spot. Imagine the comfort of warm apple pie and the richness of New York-style cheesecake, all cuddled up together in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday where you need a win, this is your go-to. It’s one of those sweet easy recipes that doesn’t feel like a chore. Grab your apron—let’s bake something that’ll get everyone asking for seconds.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake
4) How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake
5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake
6) Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake
8) Try these desserts next!
9) Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This dessert blends warm caramel apples with creamy cheesecake.
The crust is made from simple graham crackers and butter.
Best served chilled with a generous caramel drizzle.
Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just treating yourself.

2) Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe

This caramel apple cheesecake is the kind of dessert that gets remembered. It’s not complicated, but it knows how to make an entrance. Creamy, sweet, with just the right hint of tart from the apples—it’s everything you didn’t know you needed in an easy cheesecake recipe.

What I love most is that it blends down-home comfort with a dash of celebration. The graham cracker crust comes together in minutes. The cream cheese filling is rich without being heavy. And the caramel apple topping? It’s like fall gave you a hug.

If you’ve ever wondered if you could pull off something bakery-level at home without losing your mind or your weekend, I’m here to tell you: yes, you can. This is the kind of recipe that works for Thanksgiving, Tuesday nights, or anywhere in between.

3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base, the sweet, toasty foundation that holds the whole thing together. You’ll need about one and a half cups. A food processor works best, but smashing them in a bag is therapy too.

Granulated sugar: Just enough in the crust and the filling to add sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Unsalted butter: Melt it and mix it into the crumbs to make the crust hold its shape. You want it melted but not bubbling.

Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the soul of any good cheesecake. Go full-fat here for a smooth, creamy texture that holds up.

Eggs: These bind the filling together. Add them one at a time and don’t overmix or you’ll trap too much air (hello, cracks).

Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds depth. Think cozy and familiar—this is what gives the cheesecake its warmth.

Apples: Thin slices of tart apples like Granny Smiths balance the richness. Cook them slightly with cinnamon and brown sugar to soften and sweeten them.

Brown sugar & cinnamon: A little warmth from cinnamon and the molasses notes in brown sugar give the apples a caramel-apple-pie vibe.

Caramel sauce: Drizzle it over the top before and after baking. Store-bought works, but homemade caramel? That takes it to a whole other level.

4) How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease the sides of a springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if you want a clean release.

Step 2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Use a glass to press it flat and firm. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool while you prep the filling.

Step 3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla. Then crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently between each. You want it just combined—not whipped.

Step 4. Sauté the apple slices with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until softened. They should smell like apple pie and look lightly caramelized. Let them cool.

Step 5. Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust. Layer the cooled apples on top. Pour the rest of the batter over that. Swirl in caramel sauce using a knife or skewer for that pretty marbled look.

Step 6. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and the center to jiggle slightly. Don’t open the oven too early—it needs the heat steady.

Step 7. Cool the cheesecake slowly, first in the oven with the door cracked, then at room temp, then chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.

5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Let your cream cheese sit out. Seriously. Trying to mix cold cream cheese is like wrestling a brick. Room temp cream cheese gives you that dreamy, smooth batter.

Use a water bath if you’re nervous about cracks. Wrap the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan with hot water halfway up the sides. It keeps things gentle and steamy inside.

Don’t skip the cooling. Cheesecake likes to take its time. A sudden chill can make it crack or weep. Let it come down to room temp slowly before refrigerating.

6) Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Ahead of Time

This cheesecake actually improves with rest. Make it a day ahead if you can. The flavors deepen and the texture firms up beautifully overnight in the fridge.

If you’re prepping it for a party, you can bake and chill the cheesecake 24 to 48 hours ahead. Just hold off on the caramel drizzle until just before serving.

It’s a dessert that rewards patience. Which, let’s be honest, we could all use more of these days. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes if you’re entertaining.

7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Leftovers should be kept in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to five days. Use parchment or plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to keep it from drying out.

You can freeze slices too. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil. They’ll keep for a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when the craving hits.

Reheat? No need. Cheesecake is best cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, and that texture will soften to perfection.

8) Try these desserts next!

9) Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe