Apple Pie Cheesecake

This Apple Pie Cheesecake is the perfect dessert that combines two beloved treats into one deliciously decadent creation. Imagine a creamy cheesecake layered with spiced apples and topped with rich salted caramel and a crunchy streusel. Sounds dreamy, right? The flavors of fall come together beautifully, making this dessert a warm hug for your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a cozy evening at home, it invites you to savor each bite. Plus, the process of making this cheesecake is rewarding; it fills your kitchen with the heavenly scent of baked apples and spices. Are you ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s get started!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Apple Pie Cheesecake uniquely melds the creamy, rich texture of a classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie. The mixture creates a comfort food experience that resonates with many. Imagine cutting into a slice and finding the creamy cheesecake base enriched with sour cream and aromatic spices. It adds depth and richness that elevates this dessert to a higher level.

Moreover, the graham cracker crust provides that delightful crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. The charm continues with a luscious salted caramel sauce and a crisp streusel topping, which captures the essence of fall in every luscious forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Cheesecake

You’ll love this dessert for various reasons. First, it effortlessly combines ingredients and flavors that many people adore. The creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crunchy toppings evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort. It’s a versatile dessert, suited to any occasion, be it Thanksgiving, a birthday party, or a simple family dinner.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks stunning. Imagine serving this gorgeous cheesecake with its layers and toppings, making it perfect for impressing your family and friends. They’ll be amazed by your baking skills; meanwhile, you’ll bask in the praise!

Ingredients

• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla

• For the Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust:

• 16 (240 g) graham crackers, full sheets
• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• For the Spiced Cheesecake:

• 32 oz (907 g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
• 1/3 cup (82 g) sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature

• 2 1/2 cups (375 g) peeled, cored, and diced apple pieces (2-3 apples)

• For the Streusel Topping:

• 1 1/2 tbsp (21 g) unsalted butter, cold
• 3 tbsp (41 g) light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour

• Pinch salt

• For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cold
• 1 1/2 cups (195 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparing the Salted Caramel Sauce

Let’s start by making the salted caramel! Grab a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Add the granulated sugar and let it melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Once it’s fully melted and reaches a golden color, toss in the softened butter. Mix until it’s all combined and creamy. Now, quickly stir in the heavy cream, followed by adding salt and vanilla. Allow this delicious mixture to cool and set aside while you prepare the rest.

Creating the Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust

Next up, let’s make that scrumptious crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch springform pan, grease it, and wrap the bottom in foil to prevent any leaks. Use a food processor to finely crush the graham crackers. Mix them with melted butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Once all the crumbs are combined well, press them firmly into the base and up the sides of the pan. Bake for about 10 minutes and let it cool completely.

Making the Spiced Cheesecake

Now, we’re onto the star of the show: the spiced cheesecake. In your stand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch until it’s perfectly smooth. Next, incorporate the sour cream, vanilla, and spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until everything is combined.

When it comes to adding the eggs and yolks, do so carefully. You want to mix them in just enough to blend while preventing too much air from getting into the batter. Pour this creamy goodness into the cooled crust, and place it in a water bath in your oven at 350°F for an hour. After baking, let it cool in the oven for another hour; this will help avoid cracking. Once cooled, pop it in the refrigerator overnight to set.

Preparing the Apple Pie Topping

On to the apple layer! In a medium pot, combine the diced apples with the salted caramel and spices. Over medium-low heat, cook until the apples become tender, about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally! Allow it to cool as you prepare for the next steps.

Making the Streusel Topping

Let’s give our cheesecake some crunchy magic with the streusel topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) once again. In a mixing bowl, combine cold butter, brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt, mixing until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s golden brown. Allow it to cool before breaking it into delightful, crunchy pieces.

Preparing the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

To add a little extra indulgence, let’s whip up the spiced cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter on high until it’s nice and fluffy. Mix in the cold cream cheese until well combined, then gradually sift in the powdered sugar at a low speed. Finally, add the ground cinnamon and whip until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency. Pipe it into a piping bag for decorating your cheesecake later.

Assembling the Cheesecake

After the cheesecake has chilled overnight, carefully remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the cheesecake, letting it cascade down the sides. Next, layer the cooled apple mixture on top, leaving a beautiful border. If you want, add a little extra caramel on top for zing! Now sprinkle the streusel topping generously and pipe lovely swirls of the cream cheese frosting around the edges to create that stunning presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Pie Cheesecake is divine on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions create a perfect balance, enhancing the creamy and spiced layers.

Tips for Success

• Bring all your ingredients to room temperature before starting for a smoother blend.
• Fresh apples really elevate this recipe, so opt for a good quality apple for the best flavor.
• Make sure to let the cheesecake cool inside the oven to minimize the risk of cracking.

Variations

Feeling creative? You can switch up the apple filling with fruits like peaches or blueberries for a fun twist. Adding nuts such as pecans or walnuts will give it more texture and crunch. Don’t shy away from drizzling a chocolate sauce on top; it complements the flavors in a unique way.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

4. What apples are best for this recipe?
Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best results.

5. How can I tell when the cheesecake is done?
Check that the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

This Apple Pie Cheesecake brings together all the flavors of autumn, wrapped in creamy decadence. Sharing it with family and friends makes it even more special. Watch as they savor each bite, and relish the joy of creating something so delightful! Enjoy your baking adventure!

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