Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie: The Ultimate Fall Dessert That Will Steal Every Heart

When autumn leaves start dancing in the crisp air, nothing captures the essence of the season quite like a Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie. Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and as you unveil this stunning dessert, gasps of delight fill the room.

The golden caramel drizzle catches the light, while the aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples draws everyone closer. This isn’t just any ordinary pie – it’s a masterpiece that combines the beloved flavors of classic apple pie with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust.

I still remember the first time I created this recipe. It was a rainy October evening, and I was craving something that would bring together all my favorite fall flavors. After three attempts and countless taste tests (tough job, I know!), this caramel apple cheesecake pie was born. The moment my family took their first bite, I knew I had something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is pure magic because it delivers three desserts in one incredible slice. You get the comfort of apple pie, the elegance of cheesecake, and the indulgent sweetness of caramel – all harmoniously balanced. What makes this recipe truly special is how the tangy cream cheese filling perfectly complements the warm spiced apples, while the streusel topping adds that irresistible crunch.

The best part? It’s surprisingly approachable for home bakers of all skill levels. While it looks like something from a high-end bakery, the technique is straightforward and forgiving. Plus, you can make it a day ahead, making it perfect for entertaining. Discover more irresistible baking recipes here to expand your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this show-stopping dessert, organized by component for easy preparation:

Find more delicious breakfast and brunch ideas here to complete your fall menu.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish and set aside. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest mixing.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pie dish. Pre-bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
While the crust bakes, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Create the Cheesecake Filling
Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add brown sugar and mix until combined. Beat in sour cream, vanilla extract, and egg until just incorporated. Don’t overmix to avoid cracks.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Pour the cheesecake filling into the pre-baked crust. Arrange the spiced apple mixture evenly over the filling. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of salted caramel. Sprinkle the streusel topping over everything.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The streusel should be golden brown. If edges brown too quickly, cover with foil.

Step 8: Cool and Chill
Allow the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, drizzle with additional caramel sauce.

Exact Timing to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Crust Pre-baking: 10 minutes
• Assembly Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour at room temperature
• Chilling Time: 4+ hours (or overnight)
• Total Active Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 6+ hours (including chilling)

Nutritional Information

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content per slice (assuming 8 servings):

Key Nutritional Insights: This dessert is rich in calcium from cream cheese and provides some fiber from oats and apples. While it’s high in calories and sugar, it offers moderate protein content and essential minerals.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie into a more nutritious treat with these smart substitutions:

Dietary Adaptations:

• Sugar-Free: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener
• Gluten-Free: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with cashew cream cheese and coconut milk
• Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese and egg replacer

Explore more quick & easy recipes here to discover additional healthy meal options for your weekly menu planning.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Presentation: Serve chilled slices on dessert plates with an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the cool, creamy pie and warm caramel creates an irresistible temperature play that enhances every bite.

Seasonal Accompaniments: Pair your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon gelato. For an elegant touch, garnish with toasted pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or thin apple slices dusted with sugar for caramelization.

Beverage Pairings: This rich dessert pairs beautifully with hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato. For autumn gatherings, serve alongside hot apple cider or mulled wine to create a complete seasonal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Cheesecake Filling: One of the most frequent errors is beating the cream cheese mixture too vigorously, which incorporates excess air and leads to cracks during baking. Mix just until smooth and combined, stopping as soon as ingredients are incorporated to maintain that silky, dense texture that makes cheesecake so special.

Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream blend much more easily and create a smoother filling. Cold ingredients can result in lumpy texture and uneven baking. Take ingredients out of the refrigerator 1-2 hours before starting your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie.

Skipping the Cooling Process: Rushing the cooling and chilling stages will result in a pie that doesn’t hold its shape when sliced. The gradual temperature change prevents cracking, while proper chilling allows the filling to set completely for clean, beautiful slices.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Always keep it chilled, as the cream cheese filling can spoil if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing Instructions: This pie freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or freeze the whole pie in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving – the texture will be just as creamy as freshly made.

Make-Ahead Strategy: For stress-free entertaining, prepare your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie up to 2 days in advance. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, and the texture becomes even more luscious. Add the final caramel drizzle just before serving for the best presentation.

FAQs

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 6 hours
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie blends creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery streusel in a graham cracker crust for the ultimate fall dessert. Perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings, this pie is a dreamy treat for anyone who loves recipes cake or recipes dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Crust:
• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Cheesecake Filling:
• 12 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• Apple Layer:
• 2 cups peeled, thinly sliced apples
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2–3 tablespoons salted caramel, plus more for topping
• Streusel Topping:
• ⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand, then press firmly into the pie dish. Pre-bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
3. In a bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add brown sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and egg. Mix just until combined.
5. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.
6. Pour cheesecake filling into the crust, top with apples, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle the streusel over the top.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and just set. Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
8. Cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Drizzle with extra caramel before serving.

Notes

This dessert can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for holidays or dinner parties. For variety, try using pears instead of apples or top with crushed pecans for added crunch.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: recipes cake, recipes dessert, recipes baking, food recipes, recipes for dinner