Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! Let me tell you about my all-time favorite dessert: Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake. This heavenly concoction brings together the creamy delight of cheesecake, the fresh crunch of apples, and the decadent sweetness of caramel—all in one fabulous slice. I first discovered this recipe during the autumn season when the air turns crisp, and all I could think about were cozy evenings filled with warm spices and family gatherings. Each bite of this cheesecake takes me back to those chilly nights, huddled with loved ones, sharing stories and, of course, indulging in some scrumptious dessert!
Now, this cheesecake is perfect for virtually any occasion, but it has a special place at our Thanksgiving table. When I bring this beauty out, everyone’s eyes light up, and it becomes the star of the dessert table, rivaling even the pumpkin pie! So, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or simply want to treat yourself (because you deserve it!), let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
What’s in Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what goes into this slice of heaven:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of our cheesecake, these add that perfect crunch and sweetness. I always go for the classic; you can crush your own or buy pre-made crumbs!
Unsalted Butter: Melting this goodness binds the crust together and gives it a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to swap for a vegan alternative!
Sugar: We use it in both the crust and the filling. Just your everyday granulated sugar works great!
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! It needs to be softened to give that creamy texture we crave. Don’t skimp on quality here; I love the Philadelphia brand.
Eggs: They provide that perfect structure to hold everything together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to the sweetness. Go for pure vanilla extract if you can; it makes a world of difference!
Sour Cream: This ingredient keeps our cheesecake moist and adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweet flavors.
Apples: I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness and crunch. You’ll need about three cups of diced goodness.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that marries beautifully with the apples.
Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and gives a refreshing zing.
Caramel Sauce: Because who can resist a drizzle of caramel? I could drink this stuff straight out of the jar.
Whipped Cream: Optional, but highly recommended. It adds a lightness to each bite that’s simply delightful.
Is Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Good for You?
Okay, let’s be real—this cheesecake is more of an indulgence than a health food, but it does have its merits!
Apples: They provide fiber and vitamin C, which is a nice bonus. Plus, their natural sweetness can satisfy that sweet tooth without relying solely on sugar!
Cinnamon: This spice isn’t just for holiday cheer; it also comes packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
On the flip side, with all the cream cheese and sugar, it’s definitely a treat to enjoy occasionally, rather than on a daily basis. So go ahead, savor each bite, and share with friends and family to spread the joy!
Ingredients List
– For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup sugar
– For the cheesecake filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– For the apple topping:
– 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– For garnish:
– Whipped cream (optional)
– Additional caramel sauce (optional)
This recipe serves about 12 people, ideally—but hey, no one’s counting if you happen to slice a couple extra pieces for yourself!
How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake?
Ready to whip up this masterpiece? Let’s get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, because we want everything to come out beautifully!
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Feel free to use a glass to really pack it down!
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Oh, that creamy goodness!
5. In another bowl, combine the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until apples are well coated. Evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the cheesecake filling. It’s starting to look heavenly, isn’t it?
6. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple layer—more caramel, more love!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges slightly pull away from the sides of the pan.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. Patience pays off!
9. Before serving, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of additional caramel sauce if desired. Because why not make it even more decadent?
Serving Suggestions and Variations
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. You can also mix and match your fruit! Try pears or even berries for a twist on this classic.
This cheesecake is delicious both chilled and at room temperature, making it the perfect dessert for any gathering or leisurely brunch. It’s hard to resist another slice when it’s this good!
So, my friend, give this Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake a try! I promise it will be a hit, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Happy baking, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!
