As the leaves turn to shades of fiery oranges and crisp yellows, there’s nothing quite like embracing the essence of autumn through the flavors of the season. One such delight that captures the heart of fall is the luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake. This dessert is not just a treat for the palate but a celebration of cozy spices, juicy apples, and silky caramel, all coming together to create a masterpiece perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
To embark on this culinary journey, let’s gather the ingredients required to craft this decadent dessert. The recipe is divided into three parts: the crust, the cheesecake filling, and the apple topping.
For the Crust:
- 14 full sheets of honey Graham crackers (equivalent to 2 scant cups of crumbs)
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons of butter (melted, can be salted or unsalted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 packages (8 oz. each) of full-fat cream cheese, very soft
- 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and allspice
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
For the Apple Topping:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into ⅓” thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup of chopped pecans (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
Directions
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9″ springform pan with parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray.
Crafting the Crust:
- Process the Graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Creating the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the soft cream cheese with sugar, spices, sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next, along with the egg yolk.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
Baking:
- Place the pan in a water bath to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 75-90 minutes at 325°F (163°C) or until set.
- Cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar, then chill overnight in the refrigerator.
Adding the Apple Topping:
- Cook the apples with lemon juice, sugars, spices, and cornstarch until slightly softened.
- Cool the mixture slightly before spooning over the chilled cheesecake.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for the finishing touch.
Prep & Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 14 hours and 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 12 slices
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey through the flavors of fall, making it the perfect centerpiece for your autumn celebrations. The combination of spiced, creamy cheesecake, topped with tender, caramel-glazed apples, is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your fall dessert cravings. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and let this cheesecake be a memorable part of your autumn festivities.