Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves turn golden and the air fills with cinnamon and nutmeg, I find myself craving a slice of indulgence that captures the very essence of fall: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake. This delightful dessert brings together the creaminess of rich cheesecake with the warm, spiced notes of Honeycrisp apples, finished off with a buttery crumble topping and a drizzle of salted caramel that’s absolutely irresistible. Not only is this treat a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights in, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Each bite offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds—so why not elevate your autumn gatherings with this luscious dessert? What’s your favorite way to enjoy fall flavors? Why Choose Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake? Comforting Flavors: This dessert perfectly embodies the warmth of fall with its blend of spiced Honeycrisp apples and creamy cheesecake. Easy to Make: With just a few steps, even novice bakers can whip up this indulgent treat while surprising guests with a gourmet touch. Versatile Topping Options: Enjoy with a drizzle of rich salted caramel or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of decadence. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This cheesecake is sure to steal the show at any gathering, just like my favorite Honeycrisp Apple Feta salad. Seasonal Treat: Embrace the flavors of fall and make memories around the table with this unforgettable dessert that suits any occasion. Texture Contrast: The fluffy cheesecake and crunchy crumble create a delightful symphony of textures that will keep everyone coming back for more! Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake Ingredients For the Crust • Crushed Graham Crackers – Provides a classic, buttery base that holds the filling perfectly. • Unsalted Butter – Binds the crumbs together while adding rich flavor. For the Cheesecake Filling • Cream Cheese – Essential for a creamy, tangy filling that’s utterly indulgent. • Sour Cream – Adds a touch of richness and balances the sweetness beautifully. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling and helps stabilize its creamy texture. • Vanilla Extract – Infuses warm, aromatic notes to elevate the cheesecake flavor. • Eggs – Essential for structure, ensuring a smooth and custard-like consistency. For the Apple Layer • Honeycrisp Apples – The ideal choice for baking, providing a sweet-tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake. • Brown Sugar – Brings depth and sweetness, enhancing the apple filling. • Cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s signature to fall desserts. For the Crumble Topping • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the crumble, making it crunch perfectly. • Salted Caramel (for topping) – Adds a luscious sweet-and-salty finish that perfectly balances the flavors of this Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake. • Unsalted Butter – Enables the crumble to come together while adding richness. Escape into autumn with each bite of this cozy dessert! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake Step 1: Prepare the Crust Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted unsalted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling. Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated. Add in 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed briefly until just combined. Pour this luscious mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust. Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer Next, peel and core 3-4 Honeycrisp apples, then dice them into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spoon this delightful apple mixture over the cheesecake filling, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping In another bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of unsalted butter, cutting the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. This will create your crumble topping. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the apple layer, ensuring an even distribution for a delicious crunch. Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake your Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake for 50–60 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour—this helps prevent cracking. Step 6: Top with Salted Caramel After your cheesecake has cooled, carefully remove it from the springform pan and drizzle with your favorite salted caramel topping just before serving. Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture. When ready to serve, slice and revel in the sweet and salty goodness of this Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake! Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake Variations Feel free to get creative with your Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake—there are so many delicious ways to make it your own! Alternative Apples: Swap in Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet filling. The zing will elevate each bite! Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for crunchy texture and a rich, nutty aroma. A little surprise in each slice never hurts! Oat and Nut Crust: Use a combination of oats and chopped nuts instead of graham crackers for the crust. This gives a wholesome, hearty twist that complements the creamy cheesecake beautifully. Chocolate Twist: For chocolate lovers, drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the cheesecake instead of salted caramel. It’s decadence upon decadence! Spiced Variations: Experiment with pumpkin spice or nutmeg to enhance the fall flavors of your cheesecake. A sprinkle can transport you to a cozy cabin surrounded by autumn leaves. Fruit Layer Swap: Try mixing in other seasonal fruits like pears or cranberries along with the apples for added flavor complexities. Each fruit brings its own charm to the dish! Vegan Version: Swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative and use flax eggs. You can still enjoy a deliciously creamy cheesecake while being plant-conscious. These variations will not only amp up the flavor but will also keep your guests guessing and delighted with each bite! If you’re looking for more seasonal ideas, consider pairing this dessert with a refreshing Apple Iced Tea or a delightful no-bake cheesecake for a dessert series that screams fall! Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake Fridge: Cover your cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for your late-night cravings. Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, freeze your caramel apple crumb cheesecake (without the salted caramel) for up to 2 months. Wrap it well in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: To savor it again, transfer the cheesecake from the freezer to the fridge a day before serving to thaw slowly; this preserves its layered texture. Reheating: While it’s best served chilled, if you prefer it warm, briefly microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds—but be careful not to overheat, as it may affect the creamy consistency. Make Ahead Options These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the crust and let it cool, then store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the apple layer, you can also slice the Honeycrisp apples and toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon up to 3 days ahead of time—just make sure to refrigerate them to prevent browning. When you’re ready to assemble, layer the stored filling over the cooled crust, top with prepped apples, add the crumble topping, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake with minimal day-of effort! Expert Tips for Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps, creating a smoothly blended filling. Mix Carefully: Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added; this is crucial to preventing cracks in your cheesecake. Cool Gradually: Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven (with the door slightly ajar) minimizes the chances of cracks forming on the surface. Chill for Flavor: For optimal flavor and texture, allow your Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight before serving. Perfect Salted Caramel Finish: Drizzle additional salted caramel on top just before serving to enhance that sweet and salty balance everyone loves! What to Serve with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Indulge in a feast for the senses by pairing this autumn-inspired dessert with delightful sides and beverages that enhance its rich, comforting flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the warm spices in the cheesecake, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Caramel Drizzle: Enhance each slice by drizzling extra salted caramel on top, amplifying that irresistible sweet and salty contrast everyone loves. Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy whipped cream topping adds a heavenly touch, providing a delightful contrast to the rich cheesecake for a decadent finish. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness of the cheesecake, adding a refreshing zing that complements the fall flavors. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings out the flavors of the Honeycrisp apples while creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Coffee: A robust cup of coffee is the ideal companion, as its bitterness balances the sweetness, allowing you to truly savor each bite of this luscious dessert. Nutty Granola: Serve alongside a small bowl of nutty granola for an added crunch and earthy flavor, enhancing the texture contrast in every mouthful. Pumpkin Pie: For a festive touch, why not serve a slice of pumpkin pie as a side? The two desserts together create a glorious fall extravaganza. Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea echo the flavors in the cheesecake, making it a comforting choice to sip alongside your slice. Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best apples for this cheesecake? Absolutely! For this Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake, I recommend using Honeycrisp apples for their sweet-tart balance and firm texture. They hold up beautifully during baking. Alternatively, you can use Granny Smith apples if you prefer a tarter flavor, or a mix for a delightful variety! What is the best way to store leftovers? Very simple! Cover your cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, perfect for those late-night cravings or surprise guests! Can I freeze the cheesecake? Of course! To freeze your Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake, simply wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to remove the salted caramel before freezing! What should I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking? It’s a common concern, but don’t worry! This can happen if the filling is overmixed or if the cheesecake cools too quickly. To prevent this, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and mix the eggs in on low speed just until combined. Remember to cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar to minimize cracks. Is there a way to make this cheesecake gluten-free? Absolutely! You can achieve a delicious gluten-free version by substituting crushed gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Additionally, ensure that your other ingredients, such as the flour in the crumble topping, are certified gluten-free to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Can my pet share this dessert? It’s best to keep this cheesecake away from your furry friends. Ingredients like cream cheese and sugar aren’t great for pets, and the potential choking hazard of the crust could lead to issues. Instead, why not treat them to some apple slices or a pet-friendly treat? Creamy Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake for a Cozy Fall Treat Indulge in a slice of Caramel Apple Crumb Cheesecake, a creamy and comforting fall dessert featuring spiced Honeycrisp apples and a luscious crumble topping. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 10 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1.5 cups Crushed Graham Crackers0.5 cups Unsalted Butter meltedFor the Cheesecake Filling16 ounces Cream Cheese room temperature0.5 cups Sour Cream1 cup Granulated Sugar1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract3 large EggsFor the Apple Layer3-4 medium Honeycrisp Apples peeled and diced0.5 cups Brown Sugar1 teaspoon CinnamonFor the Crumble Topping0.5 cups All-Purpose Flour0.5 cups Brown Sugar0.5 cups Unsalted Butter0.5 cups Salted Caramel for topping Equipment 9-inch springform panmixing bowlshand mixer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed graham crackers and melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool.In a large mixing bowl, beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly until just combined. Pour over the cooled crust.Peel, core, and dice honeycrisp apples, then toss with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon this mixture over the cheesecake filling.In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the apple layer.Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar to cool slowly for about an hour.Drizzle with salted caramel just before serving. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 4mg NotesFor optimal flavor, chill overnight. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Allow to cool gradually to prevent cracks in the surface. 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