Imagine – crunchy, buttery crust. Cinnamon apple layer. Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake. Crispy pecan oat topping. Salted caramel drizzle. There is no better way to celebrate fall than with this salted caramel apple cheesecake!
(Love cheesecake? Try these pecan pie cheesecake bars. Perfect for a stress-free holiday celebration!)
There, I said it. I am celebrating fall. This summer girl has conceded that summer (*gasp*) is over and fall is upon us.
While I may feel a little sad about the cooler temperatures, I do love fall flavours. I’m not in pumpkin mode yet (yet!) so let me slowly ease us into the season with this salted caramel apple cheesecake.
Pumpkins tend to overshadow apples in the fall but apples are gorgeous this time of the year too. And I know I always say this but seriously guys, this is so good. Whether you’re baking just for you or you have company over, welcome to your new favourite cheesecake.
An apple a day
So yes, I like apples! Have you checked these out?
And this new cheesecake recipe is a phenomenal addition to my recipe box and yours. The base cheesecake recipe is from my co-worker Momma C who is an amazing baker. It’s chaos whenever she’d bring this in (think: The Cornucopia in The Hunger Games).
I added the pecan oat crisp and salted caramel sauce because pecans and salted caramel. And the components work together like magic.
It does involve a bit of preparation (mise en place if you want to get all fancy). Trust me, it’s worth it. Let me break it down for you.
Crispy, butter crust
First there’s the crispy, buttery crust. Just beat all the ingredients together until they resemble coarse crumbs, press onto the bottom of your springform pan and bake.
Cinnamon apples
Then you have your apples. Just peel, slice and cook in butter and cinnamon until soft and tender. Put it on top of your cooked crust and drizzle with salted caramel.
Salted caramel sauce
I doubled my recipe for salted caramel sauce for this cheesecake and I made it ahead of time (it can be made up to 3 days ahead). I just reheated in the microwave. And stopped myself from eating it all in the meantime.
Pecan oat crisp
For your topping, you just need more apples, rolled oats, sugar, butter and pecans. Cook and set aside until you’re ready to serve.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Meet your new favourite cheesecake! Grab the recipe for salted caramel apple cheesecake here >> ” quote=”Meet your new favourite cheesecake! Grab the recipe for salted caramel apple cheesecake.”]
Put it all together: salted caramel apple cheesecake
When it’s time, all you need to do is take a slice of your apple cheesecake, top with your pecan oat crisp and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
In one bite, you get crunchy butter crust, soft cinnamon apples, creamy cheesecake, crispy pecan oat topping and amazing salted caramel. Celebrating fall doesn’t get any better than this!
Celebrate fall with this salted caramel apple cheesecake! Butter crust, cinnamon apples, creamy cheesecake, pecan oat crisp, salted caramel sauce. You’re welcome.
Ingredients
- Double this recipe for salted caramel sauce. You can make the sauce up to 3 days ahead of time.
- 1 1/2 cups (192 grams) all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk from a large egg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 apples (I like to use Granny Smith apples for baking), peeled, cored and sliced into thin wedges
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 8 oz (250 grams) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced (about the size of chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup (21 grams) rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400F.
- In a medium bowl using a pastry cutter or a handheld electric mixer, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg yolk until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should see little bits butter remaining.
- Press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 15 minutes or until a light golden brown.
- In the meantime, prepare your apple layer. In a medium sized skillet, combine apple wedges with 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook on medium heat until apples are soft and tender (5-7 minutes).
- Once your crust is baked, remove from oven and lower oven temperature to 325F.
- Pour apples on your baked crust. Drizzle with 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce. Set aside while you prepare your cheesecake filling.
- In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on low medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Pour your cream cheese mixture over your apple layer and smoothen the top.
- Before putting your cheesecake in the oven, prepare a roasting pan (or a 9x13 baking pan) and place it on the bottom shelf of your oven. Pour hot water until the pan is 2/3 full. Place your cheesecake on the middle shelf and bake for 30 minutes or until set (see notes).
- In the meantime, prepare your pecan crisp (see notes). In a medium-sized skillet, combine diced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook on medium heat until apples are tender (3-5 minutes). Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup rolled oats and stir until thoroughly combined. Continue cooking until the sugar is completely absorbed and the topping is nice and sticky.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a heat proof container. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Once your cheesecake is set, turn the oven off but keep the cheesecake in the oven with the oven door opened just a crack. Leave the cake there for an hour. Then take it out, run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the cake, before chilling it (still in the pan) in the fridge for 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
- To serve, top each cheesecake slice with pecan crisp and drizzle with salted caramel sauce (see notes).
Notes
You'll know your cheesecake is set when it's starting to pull away from the sides but the middle is still jiggly/wobbly but NOT soupy.
You can prepare your topping ahead of time and just store in the fridge until you're ready to serve your cheesecake. You can either warm it slightly in the microwave or serve it cold. Both works! You can also opt to cook your topping just before you serve your cheesecake. Just allow it to cool slightly before using.
If you don't have time to make the salted caramel sauce you can always buy a jar of your favourite caramel sauce from the store. You can also opt out of the topping, the cheesecake on its own tastes great!
Happy baking!
Did you make salted caramel apple cheesecake? What’s your favourite apple dessert? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Love cheesecakes? Me too! Check these out:
-
- No-Bake Mango Cheesecake (with video)
-
- Best Lemon Cheesecake
-
- Mini Cheesecakes
-
- Japanese Cheesecake
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Erica says
This looks delicious! Perfect for fall, too!!!
Simone Hjulmand says
This looks yummy!
Leslie says
That caramel drizzle!
Denay DeGuzman says
Oh my goodness, I just want to lick my screen! This salted caramel apple cheesecake looks divine. And I know it must taste so fabulous. Mmmm…Now I know what I’ll be making for dessert this Sunday. Thanks so much for your recipe. 🙂
Brandi Crawford says
I am drooling! That pecan crisp topping is everything!
Glenda says
My gosh, my mouth is watering right now. I’m a sucker for delicious desserts.
Aditi says
This is such a yummy recipe! I love caramel and pecans so it’s a no brainer that I will be trying this for sure. Thanks for sharing!
white says
I’m already done with my dinner, but seeing your pictures and recipe makes me starve for this. How I wish I can prepare something delicious like that.
Jen S says
This looks absolutely scrumptious and perfect for fall! Cheesecake is my absolute favorite, and caramel apple stuff is always awesome. Can’t wait to try this!
Jolina says
Thanks Jen! Something about apples and caramel right? Such a perfect pair 🙂
Debbie Savage says
Wow, this looks so delicious! I haven’t had a cheesecake in forever (as I am on a diet right now LOL!) But, looking at this is making me fantasize about how amazing it would taste especially with the pecan crisp topping!
Jolina says
Maybe this can be your cheat day dessert 🙂 That pecan crisp topping is everything if I say so myself!
kallie says
Buttery crust and salted caramel sauce…yes pleaseeee
Thena says
Wow, jus wow. This looks so amazing, and the pics are to die for. Love everything about this!
Nichole says
I’m the same as you, love summer/also love the fall flavors! I’m also completely obsessed with the pecan topping on this cheesecake! 🙂
Jolina says
Hi Nichole! We’re in a really weird fall heatwave at the moment though so I’m a happy camper 🙂 And we actually eat that pecan topping on its own!
Yukti says
I loved the combination of apple cheesecake and pecan toppings. Salted caramel syrup is perfect golden. You have perfectly layered all 3 layers and it looks delicious.
Jen Temcio says
I want this SO BADLY but I can not wait long enough to make it…do you have any leftovers for me while I wait for it for it to get done? 😉
Jolina says
LOL we ate them all unfortunately 🙂 This cheesecake doesn’t, won’t last long!
Kuleigh says
This would be perfect to bring over to Thanksgiving dinner instead of a traditional pecan pie!
Jolina says
I agree! I know Thanksgiving and pies have a special…relationship 🙂 but this is really lovely to serve to company.
Eloise says
this looks incredible! I would love this for dessert right now : ) I’ll have to try making this for the family some time soon! YUM
Jessica Bradshaw says
Absolutely saving this. My husband would go crazy for it! These are all of his favorite things. <3
Jolina says
Yay! I hope you guys like it. Thanks Jessica!
Brittany Poulson says
This looks delicious! Easing into fall with apple is a good idea to me!
Lois Alter Mark says
All you really had to say was salted caramel, and I was in! The rest is just icing on the cake. It looks amazing and because it’s got apples in it, you can eat a whole one a day, right?!
Jolina says
Haha yes it’s literally icing on this yummy cheesecake. And good news, this recipe has more than 1 apple so that’s more than your daily required intake!
Corey says
Anything with pecans and apples is a winner to me. This looks divine.
Kate says
This looks amazing!
Sara says
Ummm, yummy!!!! I love me some cheesecake!!! Can’t wait to try this with this fall twist!!!
Tanya says
Living abroad, I haven’t baked much because I just can’t figure out all of the items I need and how to measure without American measuring cups. (I’ve been measuring in grams here!) This looks like something I could do here with ingredients I can find. Except they don’t sell All-Purpose flour here, but I can improvise on that. This would bring back memories of my mother’s kitchen. I love her cheesecake! Looks delicious!
Jolina says
Hi Tanya! I tried to include the grams equivalent in as much of the ingredients list as I can…I hope it helps! I’m curious – what’s the equivalent of AP flour there (are you in Croatia?). Anyhoo…hope you guys enjoy the cheesecake! Hope it’s almost as good as your mom’s 🙂
Holly says
I love that it’s apple season again! This looks delicious! 🙂
Lizzie Jones says
Good god this looks good!
Pecan pastry are my usual go to and I’ve never thought about trying it in a cheesecake but I’m literally sitting here mouthwatering about how much I want to go and give this a go!
Jolina says
Mmmmm pecan pastry sounds delicious. Now you’re making ME hungry and it’s almost midnight here haha! Thanks Lizzie! Hope you get to try this and hope you like it!
Anna says
This looks so delicious! Thank you for a recipe!
Hannah Vu says
OMG looks so delicious!! It’s the middle of the night and this makes my so hungryyyy to deathhh. I love sweet so much, especially cheesecake. I’ve tried to make some basic ones. This one is a little but harder but it looks so fantastic I’ll have to try this weekend. Thansk for sharing the recipe!
Jolina says
Thanks Hanna! I say go for it 🙂 It’s easier than it looks I promise. It’s just a little bit more steps because of the components but it’s worth it!
Alok Rana says
I have never heard about salted caramel apple cheesecake. And this recipe is looking so delicious to me. Thank you so much for sharing all the recipe details with us. I would like to try it once.
cara says
Oh em gee this looks like heaven! I want a slice right now, maybe two! 😉
Anne says
This looks like a perfect fall dessert
Tasia B says
This looks AMAZING! Can’t wait to try it!
April says
This looks absolutely scrumptious! Your pictures are amazing as well. The No-Bake Mango cheesecake in one of your previous posts looks to-die-for!
Elizabeth O says
That salted caramel apple cheesecake looks so delicious and tasty. I will definitely try to do this next week. I am pretty sure that my love ones will love this.
Margarette Puno says
Wow! This cheesecake looks really so delicious! I will definitely try this.
Gabi says
Love the idea of the pecan crisp topping. All your recipes look so good! Thanks for sharing!
Mayuri says
Apple cheesecake with pecan crisp topping looks amazing…I am not good at cooking but this recipe looks easy. I am going to try it and let you know. 🙂
Jolina says
Awesome! I’d love to hear how it goes 🙂
Pooja says
Nice recipe but is there any substitue for egg?
Jolina says
Hi Pooja. I tried making cookies with applesauce once but that’s about the extent of my knowledge. This link might help: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/955371/baking-without-eggs
Marielle Altenor says
This looks so good. Especially with the caramel! I love cheesecakes, but I’ve never made it myself.
Jolina says
Hi Marielle. Once you make your first cheesecake, you’d find it hard to stop! 🙂 And this would be perfect for Thanksgiving that’s right around the corner (can you believe it’s almost October??)
Janella Panchamsingh says
Yes do you deliver! this cheesecake looks so delicious and I am totally with you celebrating fall
Jolina says
LOL! My neighbours/taste testers get free delivery all the time 🙂
Trish says
Look at that pecan crisp topping and caramel sauce! Drool! I am actually more of an apple and pear type of gal more than pumpkins so two thumbs up for this one!
Jolina says
Hi Trish! Score for Team Apple 🙂 This is a great fall dessert but what’s up with this heatwave eh??
Joanna says
How amazing this cheesecake must be! I can only imagine the delicious apples cooked with cinnamon and then added on top of the cheesecake with the salted caramel. A perfect autumn dessert!
SM Raiyyan says
That really looks so yummy and man! My mouth was watering reading all that recipe and seeing those pics! It was cool
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
If this counts as an apple a day, I’m a-ok with that 😉 Mise en place – hubby is super good at that. So organized and neat. Me? Not so much, but I’m sure that this wicked dessert is totally worth it. And being a fan of salty/sweet combos I’m totally swooning over that salted caramel over top. If all of the fall food looks this good, I’m a happy girl 🙂
Jolina says
Hi Dawn! I’d say yes, this totally counts as your one apple for the day LOL! And I’m really trying to get better organized before I start baking but Red is better at that too. Sometimes in the middle of prep I discover I’ve run out of sugar or some other random ingredient haha. Ah food blogger problems!
John says
Oh, this cheesecake looks amazing! Thank you for sharing, Jolina. Hope you have a wonderful week, dear.
Derya says
Cinnamon apples are pretty tasty. I’ve tried it recently with a different recipe. This has been quite successful in sharing.
Oursamyatra says
I love the flavor of apple. The cake looks so delicious and so classic. Love to have this. We will try to make this at home according to your given recipe.
Carrie says
Can you please deliver this to me ASAP! This looks amazing like I must absolutely have a piece! Aghh I guess I will be baking this weekend!
Jolina says
Hi Carrie! You know I’d fly out to Norway in a heartbeat! Though maybe let’s wait until winter is over? LOL!
Georgia Stallcop says
Looks delicious. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Are Granny Smith apples a must or could you get away with any apple type in your pantry?
Jolina says
Hi Georgia. Granny Smith is just my preferred apple because it’s tart and sturdier. Here’s an article you might find useful: http://www.midwestliving.com/food/fruits-veggies/great-apples-for-baking/ Hope it helps!
Heraa Farooq says
Caramel has been my favorite dessert. The sweet dishes are looking so amazing, making me want to get them out of my screen and have a bite 😀
Bhumi says
I loved the recipe! Sounds super delicious. Thanks for putting the short recipe at the en. I’ll take it’s print out. That’ll help a lot:)
Anastasia says
‘ouuuh!’ it looks so yummy. Excellent fall recipe. The images are mouthwatering. I must make this.
Heather Johnson says
Your salted caramel apple cheesecake looks and sounds ridiculously amazing. What a great combination of yummy fall flavors!
Star harford says
I bet this is delicious! Especially the salted caramel sauce. I love anything with apples in and cinamon goes really well with apple. As soon as I have the ingredients for this I think I may have to make it!
Jolina says
You bet correctly! 🙂 Hope you guys like it!
Jaime says
This looks delightful I think I’ll add this to my Thanksgiving spread. Thanks for the recipe.
Jolina says
Awesome! This would make for a perfect ending to a thanksgiving dinner! Hope you and your guests like it!
Liz Mays says
That topping looks super good and cheesecake will always be a favorite of mine. I think I’d love these flavors!
Jaime says
I’m normally not into cheesecake, but this looks divine! I’m definitely ready for fall, and everything the season brings.
Libni Winsett says
I made this caramel apple cheesecake for my family and was gone by the next day, it is so
delicious and smooth and creamy, if you make it you will love like us.
Thank you for sharing this recipes and keep baking.
Jolina says
That’s great to hear Libni! Glad you and the fam liked it 🙂
Sharon says
You have me at cheesecake and the rest is cherry on top! I love a good yummy cheesecake with salted caramel but this one is perfection. It looks so good I can eat the whole cake. YUM!!!
Neely Moldovan says
This is the perfect fall dessert! Sound so yummy and comforting. Need to have this stat!