Cheesecake with Caramel Apple Topping

This recipe is about to become your new fall obsession! Cheesecake with Caramel Apple Topping combines two favorite desserts into one!

This dessert is the perfect fall indulgence, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie.

This is a decadent apple dessert recipe that's perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion.

I've been making this recipe for a few years...actually over 25 years now! It's a classic cheesecake topped with a simple caramel apple topping.

While the homemade topping requires a few extra steps, the incredible flavor combination is well worth the effort!

One of the things I love best about adding the topping is you don't have to worry if your cheesecake cracks!

Looking for more Easy Desserts? Try my Cheesecake Cupcakes, Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes or my Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake.

Table of Contents

• Tips for making Cheesecake
• How to fix a crack in a cheesecake?
• Helpful Kitchen Tools
• Main Ingredients Needed
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Lining Your Springform Pan
• How to use a Water Bath to Bake Cheesecake
• Baking Instructions
• Caramel Apple Topping for Cheesecake
• Before You Begin!
• Storing, Freezing and Thawing Tips
• Recipe FAQ's
• More Recipes to LOVE
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments

Tips for making Cheesecake

Cheesecake can seem intimidating, (it was for me the first time I made one), but it doesn't have to be! These tips will help you achieve the perfect dessert:

• Using room-temperature cream cheese and eggs is key for a smooth cheesecake batter.
• Don't overmix the batter, and bake in a water bath to prevent cracks. (See section below.)
• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating.

How to fix a crack in a cheesecake?

Cracks are often caused by sudden temperature changes while baking. To prevent cheesecake cracks, avoid sudden temperature changes and bake it in a water bath using a moderate oven temperature. This ensures even cooking and a smooth, creamy texture.

You'll see from the photos below that my baked cheesecake does have a few cracks in the top...but that's okay!

This caramel apple topping will cover those perfectly and no one will know!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

KANIXUM 10 Inch Premium Non-stick Springform Pan, Leakproof Round Cheesecake Pan with Removable Bottom, Spring Form for Baking (Black)Unbleached 15 x 200 ft Parchment Baking Paper Roll - 250 Sq.Ft for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Air Fryer and SteamingNewness Apple Cutter Slicer, [Large Size] 16 Slices HEAVY DUTY and Pear Corer Divider with Base, [Upgraded] Cut Apples All The Way Through, Stainless Steel Fruits & Vegetables Divider, Wedger…

 

Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Crush the graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor or blender. Combine the crumbs and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and mix well with a fork.

Step 2: Stir in the melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, using the flat bottom of a small glass to create an even crust. Freeze while you make the filling.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth for the cheesecake filling. Add the white sugar, salt and flour to the cream cheese. Blend again until combined.

Step 4: Add each egg to the mixture one at a time. Make sure you mix completely after adding each egg.

Step 5: On the addition of the last egg, also add the vanilla extract and sour cream before mixing one last time until smooth.

Step 6: Pour the cheesecake filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.

Baking Instructions

Step 7: Bake 55-60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven, open the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.

Caramel Apple Topping for Cheesecake

Step 8: Melt the butter in a hot saucepan. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, white sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly until well combined.

Step 9: Then add in the vanilla, lemon juice, and cornstarch, mixing again until combined. Let the apples cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until it thicken and the apples soften.

Step 10: Once chilled, top the cheesecake with the warm apple topping, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with pecans.

Step 11: Slice and enjoy!

Storing, Freezing and Thawing Tips

Refrigerator: Place the cheesecake in an airtight container. It will stay fresh up to 5 days.

Freezer: You can freeze the whole cheesecake before adding the apple topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil.

Thawing Tips: Remove the cheesecake from the freezer and allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, prepare the apple topping and spoon it on top.

More Recipes to LOVE

Want to enjoy cheesecake without all the work? Try my collection of Cheesecake Pudding Recipes or this recipe for Instant Pot Cheesecake.

📖 Recipe Card

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2014 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!