Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie is a delightful dessert that combines several beloved flavors and textures. This pie features a buttery graham cracker crust, layered with a rich cream cheese filling, topped with sweet and tangy apples, and finished with a crunchy streusel topping drizzled with smooth salted caramel. Every bite is an irresistible blend of creaminess, crunchiness, and the cozy flavors of apples and caramel. It’s an ideal dessert for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a sweet treat when you’re craving something special.

The pie is not just visually appealing–with its layers of color and texture–but it also brings comfort with its warm spices and sweet apple flavor. The cheesecake filling adds a luscious richness that balances beautifully with the tartness of the apples and the sweetness of the caramel. Whether served at a festive occasion or enjoying a slice on a chilly evening, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients about Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

List of Ingredients with Measurements

• For the Crust:
• 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Streusel Topping:
• 1/3 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 Tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• For the Apple Layer:
• 2 cups peeled, thinly sliced, and chopped apples
• 1 Tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 12 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 3 Tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 2-3 Tablespoons salted caramel (for drizzling)

Optional Ingredient Substitutions

• Graham Cracker Crust: You can use crushed cookies such as Oreo or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for a different flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese can be used as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese.
• Apples: While any kind of apple works, Granny Smith apples will give a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples offer sweetness.
• Sugar Types: Both brown sugar and white sugar work in the recipe but using all brown sugar will give a deeper flavor.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Crust

To start, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir in 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Then, pour this mixture into a 9-inch ungreased pie dish. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish using your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

While the crust is cooling, prepare the streusel topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Next, cut in 2 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Once combined, place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the apple layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Now, let’s work on the apple filling. In another bowl, mix together 2 cups of peeled, thinly sliced, and chopped apples, 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until the apples are coated evenly with the other ingredients. Set this aside to let the flavors mix while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

For the cheesecake filling, beat 12 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Then, add 3 tablespoons of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat until well blended. Finally, add 1 large egg (make sure it is at room temperature) and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can add too much air to the batter.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Once you have all your components ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly into the cooled crust. Next, spoon the prepared apple mixture over the cheesecake layer evenly. Then, drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of salted caramel before sprinkling the chilled streusel topping over the top of everything.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and carefully place the assembled pie back in the oven. Bake for around 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and tent the pie with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Once done, the center may still jiggle a bit, which is okay as it will firm up while cooling.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Once baked, allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least one hour. After that, cover it and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

When it’s time to serve your freshly prepared Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie, it’s best to slice it while it is cold. For the pristine, clean cut, use a sharp knife that you can dip into hot water before slicing. After making each slice, wipe the knife clean to keep your pieces looking neat.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

This pie can be served as is, or you may choose to add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice for a luscious touch. Another great pairing is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts delightfully over the warm pie if served shortly after coming out of the oven. If you’re feeling indulgent, consider drizzling a little more salted caramel over the top of each slice before serving.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

Proper Storage Methods

To store your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie, make sure it is completely cooled and covered. You can wrap the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. This pie can generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Reheating or Freezing

If you wish to enjoy your pie warm, place a slice in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, you can place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. If you want to freeze the pie, it’s best to freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking the pie. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. If it’s overbaked, the cheesecake filling can become dry and crack. Additionally, not letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature can result in lumps in your cheesecake filling, so be sure to take it out ahead of time.

Helpful Tips for Better Results

To improve the texture of your pie, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother filling. When combining everything, mix just until combined to avoid excess air in the batter. Finally, for a more visually appealing pie, layer your apples evenly and make sure to drizzle caramel generously for that beautiful touch.

Variation of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe

You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the apple filling for a deeper flavor. If you want to take the pie in a different direction, consider adding chopped nuts to the streusel for an added crunch.

Adjustments for Dietary Preferences

For a gluten-free variation, simply replace the graham cracker crust with a gluten-free cookie option. For a vegan version, you can use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based egg substitute (like flaxseed meal or applesauce) for the filling.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your pie is cracked or baked unevenly, don’t panic! Cracks can be covered with caramel or whipped cream. Bake it a little longer if the center jiggles too much. If it’s undercooked, return it to the oven for a few additional minutes, checking regularly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie a day in advance. The flavors deepen as it chills in the refrigerator overnight, which can enhance the overall taste. Just ensure that it is covered well when stored.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You can substitute the cream cheese with Neufchâtel for a lighter version. For the graham cracker crumbs, other crushed cookies like Oreos can be used. Apples can be swapped for pears or other fruits like berries, although the flavor will change slightly.

In conclusion, with its rich flavors and textures, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie promises to be a favorite dessert for any occasion. Whether for a festive gathering or a quiet evening at home, this pie will deliver sweet satisfaction every time it’s served. Enjoy your baking!

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