Combining the comforting flavors of apple cake, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel sauce, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate dessert for fall—or any time you want a decadent treat. The tartness of the apples pairs perfectly with the smooth, sweet cheesecake, all topped off with a luscious homemade caramel sauce that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Cheesecake:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Apple Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold the spiced apples into the cake batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cheesecake and cake layers are fully chilled and cooled, you can begin assembling the cake.
- Place one of the apple cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top of the apple cake. If the cheesecake layer is too large, you can trim it slightly to fit.
- Place the second apple cake layer on top of the cheesecake layer, gently pressing down to ensure the layers adhere together.
4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the sugar turns a deep amber color. Be sure to watch the sugar closely to avoid burning.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly whisk in the warmed heavy cream. Be careful as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before using.
5. Decorate and Serve:
- Pour the cooled caramel sauce over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
- For added garnish, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle additional caramel over the top.
- Slice and serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Cheesecake Tips: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before starting to prevent lumps in your cheesecake batter. It’s also crucial to chill the cheesecake thoroughly before assembling the cake.
- Apple Cake Tips: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel sauce. If you prefer a sweeter apple, Honeycrisp is a good alternative.
- Caramel Sauce Tips: Take care not to stir the sugar once it starts to caramelize, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize. If your caramel sauce seizes up when you add the cream, you can return it to low heat and stir until smooth.
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of apple cake, cheesecake, and caramel. The layers of moist, spiced apple cake and creamy cheesecake are perfectly complemented by the sweet and buttery caramel sauce. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy every decadent slice of this delicious creation!
