Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is the dessert that dreams are made of. Imagine creamy cheesecake layered with spiced apple filling, all drizzled with luscious salted caramel. It’s a heartwarming blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. For more inspiration, check out this caramel toffee crunch cake recipe.
Every Thanksgiving, my family gathers around a table overflowing with food, laughter, and the occasional food coma. This pie-cheesecake hybrid has become our holiday star, stealing the show from even Grandma’s famous pumpkin pie. The aroma wafts through the house, wrapping us in a warm embrace as we eagerly anticipate that first slice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- With layers of creamy cheesecake and sweet apples, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite
- The stunning presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for your festive table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round or served at any special occasion
I remember the first time I brought this dessert to a family gathering; my cousin declared it “life-changing,” while my aunt promptly asked for the recipe to make it her own.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a buttery crust that holds together beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
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Granulated Sugar: Just a little sweetener for both the crust and cheesecake layers to balance flavors.
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Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture for your cheesecake filling.
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Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess; don’t skip this vital ingredient!
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Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for their tartness; they hold up well during baking.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and coziness reminiscent of autumn flavors.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this sauce adds decadence; just remember to drizzle generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan evenly.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
Create the Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in sour cream until well combined for optimal creaminess.
Add Flavorful Spices and Eggs: Blend in cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth; then add eggs one at a time until just incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep it light.
Layer with Apples: Pour half of your cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust. Layer sliced apples on top before adding remaining cheesecake mix over them.
Bake It All Together!: Bake in the oven for roughly 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. A clean knife should come out mostly clean when gently inserted.
After letting it cool at room temperature, refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight if you can resist! When ready to serve, drizzle generously with decadent salted caramel sauce and watch everyone swoon.
This Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake will surely become a beloved tradition in your home as it has in mine! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- This Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of flavors
- The creamy texture and sweet, salty topping create a dessert experience that will make your taste buds dance
- Perfect for impressing guests and bringing joy to your holiday table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust, then layer it with cheesecake filling before adding apple pie topping. Bake until set and chilled for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap apples with pears or add spices like nutmeg for extra warmth. Customize the salted caramel to suit your sweetness preference.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Enjoy chilled; no need to reheat as flavors deepen over time.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Use fresh apples for that juicy crunch, and don’t skip chilling—this step is crucial!
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the caramel flavor beautifully
Creating this Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake turned out to be a family favorite, especially when my cousin couldn’t stop raving about it during dessert!
FAQ
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide a great balance of sweetness and tartness.
How should I serve this cheesecake?
Serve chilled with extra salted caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat!
Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake is a heavenly dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with spiced apple filling, all topped with rich salted caramel. This delectable pie-cheesecake hybrid has quickly become a holiday favorite in our family, captivating guests at every gathering. With its perfect blend of flavors and stunning presentation, it’s sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups firm apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add sugar and sour cream until combined.
- Mix in cinnamon and nutmeg, then add eggs one at a time without overmixing.
- Pour half the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and layer sliced apples on top. Add remaining filling.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled, drizzled with salted caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
