Deliciously creamy and full of autumnal charm, this cheesecake layers smooth cream cheese with warm, spiced apple filling and a buttery oat crumble. The final drizzle of salted caramel ties it all together, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s irresistible for any dessert lover.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or want a show-stopping finish for dinner parties, this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake brings comfort and elegance in every bite. Its classic flavors get a luxe twist, making every slice a moment to savor.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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200 g digestive biscuits, crushed
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100 g unsalted butter, melted
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400 g cream cheese, softened
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100 g caster sugar
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2 large eggs
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100 ml sour cream
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2 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored & diced
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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50 g oats
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30 g flour
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30 g cold butter, cubed
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4 tbsp salted caramel sauce
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 160 °C (320 °F) and line a 20 cm springform tin.
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Mix crushed biscuits and melted butter; press into the tin base; chill 10 min.
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Beat cream cheese and caster sugar until smooth, then mix in eggs one by one. Stir in sour cream.
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In a skillet, cook apples with brown sugar and cinnamon for about 5 min until softened. Cool slightly.
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Combine oats, flour and cold butter with fingers to form crumble.
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Spread half the cheesecake filling on crust, top with cooked apples and drizzle 2 tbsp caramel. Pour over remaining filling.
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Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly, then bake 50–60 min until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
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Cool on a rack, chill 4 h or overnight. Before serving, drizzle remaining caramel.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: ~5 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling) | Kcal: ~420 kcal per slice | Servings: 12
The Magic Behind Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that perfectly balances richness, fruitiness, and a touch of salty sweetness. It’s a modern twist on classic apple crumble and cheesecake, combining the best elements of both to create something truly special. This dessert takes the comfort of warm spiced apples and crispy crumble topping and pairs it with the creamy, velvety texture of cheesecake. The salted caramel drizzle adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the layering and contrast of textures and flavors. You start with a buttery biscuit base that holds the cheesecake and apple topping firmly. The cheesecake layer provides smooth creaminess, which contrasts beautifully with the tender, spiced apples cooked with cinnamon and brown sugar. Then comes the oat crumble topping, which adds a satisfying crunch. Finally, the salted caramel drizzle brings a luscious, slightly salty sweetness that balances the natural tartness of the apples and the richness of the cream cheese. This harmony of elements is what makes this dessert an unforgettable treat.
Why This Dessert Is Perfect for Fall and Winter
This cheesecake is an ideal choice for the colder months because of its warming spices and comforting ingredients. Apples and cinnamon are synonymous with autumn, evoking memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. The oat crumble adds a rustic, homey feel that makes this dessert incredibly inviting. Salted caramel has surged in popularity over the years because it pairs so well with many fall flavors, and it adds that perfect touch of indulgence that’s ideal for festive occasions or holiday dinners.
Moreover, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted easily to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, you can use different varieties of apples depending on what’s in season or what flavor profile you prefer—Granny Smith apples offer a tart bite, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples provide sweetness and juiciness. You can also swap out the digestive biscuit base for gluten-free options if necessary, or make the crumble topping vegan by using plant-based butter alternatives.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Because this recipe is fairly simple, the quality of each ingredient really shines through. Using fresh, high-quality cream cheese is essential for that smooth and rich cheesecake texture. Likewise, fresh apples are crucial; they need to be firm enough to hold their shape during cooking but tender once softened. The biscuit base works best with classic digestive biscuits or graham crackers, and real salted butter will enhance the overall flavor of both the crust and crumble.
Salted caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought, but homemade caramel offers a fresher and more nuanced taste. The balance of salt and sweetness in the caramel is what makes this recipe stand out, so it’s worth paying attention to the quality and flavor of your caramel sauce.
How to Serve and Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake
This cheesecake is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to fully meld and the texture to set properly. After baking, it should be cooled to room temperature before refrigerating for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, drizzle with more salted caramel and optionally add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often intensify with time, making it even better the next day. You can also freeze the cheesecake for longer storage — just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Variations and Serving Ideas
One of the beauties of this dessert is its flexibility. For those who want a crunchier texture, adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping can be a great addition. For an even more indulgent version, swirl some salted caramel directly into the cheesecake batter before baking.
If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the cheesecake mixture or a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon in the apples. These subtle enhancements add complexity and depth to the dish.
For a lighter take, you could try using a reduced-fat cream cheese or substitute some of the butter with applesauce in the crumble topping, though these changes will slightly affect the texture.
Why This Dessert Works for Any Occasion
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a dessert that manages to be both elegant and approachable. It’s sophisticated enough to serve at holiday dinners, celebrations, or dinner parties, yet familiar and comforting enough for casual family meals or weekend baking projects.
Its layered flavors appeal to a wide range of palates — from those who enjoy sweet and creamy desserts to those who appreciate the balance of tart fruit and crunchy topping. Plus, the salted caramel twist makes it stand out in a sea of traditional apple or cheesecake recipes.
Conclusion: A Timeless Dessert to Cherish
This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures, flavors, and seasons all wrapped into one indulgent dish. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the cozy warmth of autumn flavors combined with the creamy decadence of cheesecake and the delightful crunch of crumble topping.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying this recipe for the first time, the results are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. It’s the kind of dessert that invites sharing, conversation, and making memories — a perfect finish to any meal or special occasion.
If you’re looking for a new showstopper dessert, this cheesecake is a must-try. Once you taste the harmonious blend of salted caramel, spiced apples, and creamy cheesecake, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.