Caramel Apple Cheesecake: The Creamy, Crunchy, Gooey Fall Dessert You Need

When crisp autumn air rolls in and apple season is at its peak, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a dessert that combines two of the most beloved flavors of the season: caramel and apples. Add in the creamy decadence of cheesecake, and you’ve got a dessert that’s not just impressive — it’s unforgettable.

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake brings together a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, gooey caramel, and tender spiced apples in one incredible layered treat. It’s sweet, a little tart, and utterly indulgent.

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving something warm and sweet, this dessert delivers that cozy homemade bakery feel in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Classic cheesecake with a caramel apple twist
✔️ Perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings
✔️ Can be made ahead — even better the next day!
✔️ Combines textures: creamy, crisp, and gooey
✔️ Beautiful presentation with minimal effort

This is a showstopper that looks like it came from a professional bakery — but you made it right at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: Sea salt flakes for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or 8×8 baking dish.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sour cream, sugar, flour, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed, just until blended.
4. Pour filling over the cooled crust.

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Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake at 325°F for 40–45 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake rest for 30 minutes.
3. Cool at room temp for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

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Step 4: Make the Apple Topping

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until apples are tender and caramelized.
4. Let cool to room temperature.

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Step 5: Assemble

1. Spoon the apple mixture over chilled cheesecake.
2. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
3. Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or extra cinnamon.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake

• Use room temperature ingredients for the creamiest texture.
• Don’t overmix after adding eggs — this prevents cracking.
• Chill thoroughly before slicing.
• Want extra decadence? Add a layer of caramel under the apple topping.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

🕓 Make-Ahead: Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance. Add apples and caramel before serving.

🧊 Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Best served chilled or slightly room temp.

❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

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Flavor Variations

🍎 Apple Pie Cheesecake – Use spiced apple pie filling instead of fresh sautéed apples
🍐 Caramel Pear Cheesecake – Swap apples for ripe pears and add a splash of vanilla
🍫 Caramel Apple Turtle – Top with pecans and chocolate drizzle along with caramel
🥧 Streusel Crust – Add a crumble topping for texture before baking

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What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cheesecake

• A hot cup of coffee or cinnamon tea
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce
• Whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon
• Fresh apple slices and candied pecans

This dessert pairs perfectly with crisp autumn evenings, cozy sweaters, and candlelight dinners.

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FAQ

❓Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes! Just warm it slightly and spoon it over the cheesecake before serving.

❓Do I have to use a springform pan?

Nope — an 8×8 baking dish works well for bars. Just line it with parchment for easy removal.

❓Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — use GF graham crackers and substitute flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend.

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Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is everything a fall dessert should be: rich, smooth, full of warm spices, and topped with buttery caramel apples. It’s the perfect dessert to make when apples are in season, or when you’re simply craving a spoonful of something cozy and sweet.

It’s one of those treats that looks fancy, tastes bakery-worthy, but is actually super simple to pull off — making it a must-have for your fall baking rotation.

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