Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dream Pie is a luscious dessert that combines a creamy cheesecake base with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple topping, a crunchy oat crumble, and rich caramel drizzle. This crowd-pleaser features a graham cracker crust and layers of texture and flavor that will wow guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled & diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Crumble Topping
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Pinch of cinnamon
Caramel Drizzle
- ½ cup soft caramels or caramel sauce
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon, mixing until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Form and Bake Crust. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set, then allow to cool completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling. Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Bake Cheesecake. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is just set (center slightly jiggly).
- Cool and Chill. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature; then refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Cook Apple Topping. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Sauté Apples. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and coated in a thick syrup. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Make Crumble Topping. Combine flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon until coarse crumbs form.
- Toast Crumble. Toast the crumble in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, or alternatively bake it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 minutes.
- Assemble Apple Layer. Spread the cooled apple topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake surface.
- Add Crumble Topping. Sprinkle the toasted crumble mixture evenly over the apples on top of the cheesecake.
- Prepare Caramel Drizzle. Warm the soft caramels or caramel sauce with heavy cream gently until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle Caramel. Generously drizzle the warm caramel over the crumble topping for a rich finishing touch.
- Final Chill. Refrigerate the assembled pie for 1 hour to allow layers to set, ensuring clean, neat slices when served.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor in the topping.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
- The crumble can be toasted on the stovetop or baked, choose whichever is more convenient.
- For cleaner slices, chill the cheesecake well before cutting.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with store-bought soft caramels melted with cream for the drizzle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake, apple cheesecake pie, fall dessert, caramel drizzle cheesecake, graham cracker crust cheesecake
