Holiday Special Caramel Apple Cheesecake combines the cozy flavors of spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and buttery caramel in one stunning dessert. It’s a showstopper for holiday gatherings — rich yet balanced with fruity sweetness and warm spice. Picture layers of smooth cream cheese filling over a crisp graham cracker crust, topped with caramel-glazed apple slices that glisten like holiday ornaments. Every bite tastes like apple pie and cheesecake had the most delicious holiday union.
2. Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup light brown sugar
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Apple Topping:
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3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons brown sugar
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnish:
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Whipped cream
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Crushed pecans or toffee bits
3. Instructions
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Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly. -
Make the cheesecake filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated and brown sugars, mixing well. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, sour cream, and salt. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure a silky, lump-free batter. -
Bake the cheesecake:
Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and pour in hot water halfway up the sides (water bath method to prevent cracking). Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and let it sit inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to cool slowly. -
Chill completely:
Remove from oven, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. -
Make the caramel apple topping:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring until apples are tender and coated in syrup. Remove from heat and drizzle in caramel sauce, stirring gently to coat. -
Assemble the cheesecake:
Spoon the caramel apple mixture over the chilled cheesecake. Drizzle extra caramel over the top for a glossy finish. Add whipped cream or nuts if desired.
4. Preparation Time
Total: 6 hours (includes chilling)
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 5 minutes
Chill: 4 hours
5. Serving
Serves 10–12 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 510 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 33 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Sugar: 36 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 290 mg
7. Tips
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Use firm apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well when cooked.
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Avoid cracks: Don’t overbeat the batter and bake in a water bath for even heating.
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For a shortcut: Use a pre-made graham crust and store-bought caramel sauce.
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Extra flavor: Add a splash of apple cider or rum extract to the apple topping.
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Best served chilled: Let the cheesecake rest overnight for the creamiest texture.
8. Final Thought
Holiday Special Caramel Apple Cheesecake is pure holiday comfort in dessert form. The creamy cheesecake, warm cinnamon apples, and buttery caramel topping create a flavor combination that feels festive and nostalgic. It’s perfect for Christmas dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, or any cozy winter evening when you want to impress your guests with something truly indulgent.
