If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a dessert, you’re going to adore this Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a show-stopping treat that marries tender, spiced apple blondies with a luscious caramel-infused cheesecake layer, finished off with cinnamon-sweet apples and fluffy whipped cream. Every bite delivers a rich, comforting blend of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or just indulging in the ultimate seasonal dessert, this recipe is destined to become a treasured classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component, from the warm spices to the creamy caramel sauce, builds layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather before getting started.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the blondie and cheesecake binding everything perfectly.
- Baking powder: Adds just the right lift to your blondie for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Key spices that bring warmth and depth, evoking classic autumn vibes.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the blondie’s moist texture and richness.
- Light brown sugar: Sweetness with a hint of molasses notes that echo caramel perfectly.
- Eggs: They provide structure while keeping the blondie and cheesecake creamy and smooth.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle floral lift that complements fruit and caramel gorgeous ly.
- Chopped apples: Fresh and crisp pieces offering bites of juicy fruitiness in the blondie layer.
- Cream cheese: The base of the cheesecake filling for its signature creamy texture.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to balance sweetness.
- Caramel sauce: Infuses the cheesecake with that irresistible, buttery caramel flavor.
- Thinly sliced apples & lemon juice: For tender, caramelized cinnamon apples topping the cake.
- Heavy whipping cream & powdered sugar: Whipped into cinnamon whipped cream for a light, spicy finish.
How to Make Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Blondie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepping a 9-inch springform pan with grease and parchment paper lining the bottom. Mixing your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—early helps to evenly distribute the spices for that perfect autumn flavor. In another bowl, blend melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, then stir in the egg and vanilla. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, and gently fold in the chopped apples for lovely bursts of juicy fruit. Pour this batter into your pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely while you move on to the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Cheesecake Filling
Lower your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Beat the cream cheese and brown sugar together until silky smooth—that’s the secret to a creamy cheesecake. Add flour, sour cream, and caramel sauce, stirring in vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg to deepen the flavor layers. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to keep the filling luscious and not too dense. Pour this luscious caramel cheesecake goodness over your cooled blondie base.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the filled pan in a water bath to prevent cracking and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center is just set. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly open for an hour—this gentle cooling helps keep the texture silky. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight so the flavors marry beautifully and it firms up perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples and Whipped Cream
While the cheesecake chills, melt butter in a skillet and toss in thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Cook these gently until they are soft and caramelized into golden, tender slices. For the finishing touch, whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until you can see stiff peaks forming—a rich but airy cinnamon whipped cream to crown your masterpiece.
Step 5: Assemble Your Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place on a serving platter. Pile the caramelized cinnamon apples artfully on top, drizzle more caramel sauce for that extra wow factor, and pipe the cinnamon whipped cream around the edges or in pretty dollops. Trust me, this is where your dessert goes from delicious to downright unforgettable.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch that plays beautifully against the creamy layers. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce right before serving will elevate its presentation and invite all that warm, cozy aroma to the table.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best on its own, but pairing it with a cup of spiced chai tea or a robust cup of coffee creates a comforting balance. For a crowd-pleasing twist, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon gelato to add an extra layer of chill and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to serve this cheesecake in individual jars or clear cups layered with extra chopped apples and whipped cream for an elegant, grab-and-go treat. You can also cut it into bite-sized squares for a party platter that invites tasting every luscious layer without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as it chills, and the texture remains just as luscious, making it perfect for enjoying a day or two later with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save this indulgence for later, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain that creamy texture without sogginess.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so we recommend skipping reheating. If you prefer warm cinnamon apples on top, gently warm them on the stovetop or microwave separately before assembling your slices.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast, while Fuji or Honeycrisp add extra sweetness. Just choose firm apples that will hold their shape well during baking and cooking for the best texture.
What is the purpose of the water bath during baking?
The water bath ensures gentle, even heat around the cheesecake, preventing cracks and creating a smooth, creamy texture in your filling. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the finished result.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free butter. Just be sure to choose options that hold up well in baking for the best texture and flavor.
How long can I keep the prepared cinnamon apples?
The cooked cinnamon apples can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to bring back their tender, caramelized goodness.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday dessert?
Definitely! The cozy spices, caramel, and apples make this Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe a perfect choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any amazing fall or winter celebration. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joyful blend of flavors and textures that make it so irresistible. Once you do, it will quickly become one of your favorite desserts to bake and share with loved ones.
Print
Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours including chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake combines the rich, buttery texture of apple blondies with a creamy caramel-infused cheesecake layer. Topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and fluffy cinnamon whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for fall or any occasion when you crave a luscious, fruity treat with a hint of warm spices.
Ingredients
Apple Blondie:
- 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (225g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 large apple)
Caramel Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (225g) packed light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Cinnamon Apples:
- 1 1/2 apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 4 tbsp (56g) light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
- 6 tbsp (43g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Blondie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Blondie: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and light brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Make Blondie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Once combined, fold in the chopped apples evenly through the batter.
- Bake Blondie Base: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare the Caramel Cheesecake Filling: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for the cheesecake layer.
- Mix Cheesecake Ingredients: Beat the cream cheese and light brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the flour, sour cream, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Add Eggs to Cheesecake Mixture: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to maintain a smooth texture without incorporating excess air.
- Assemble and Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled blondie base. Place the springform pan in a water bath to prevent cracking and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare Cinnamon Apples: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and light brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Make Cinnamon Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy and spiced whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Arrange the caramelized cinnamon apples on top, drizzle with extra caramel sauce for richness, and pipe cinnamon whipped cream decoratively around the edges for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients especially cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs to ensure a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Using a water bath during cheesecake baking helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture creamy.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce brown sugar in the blondie or topping slightly.
- Make sure to fully cool the blondie base before adding the cheesecake filling to avoid mixing layers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great chilled.
- To make slicing easier, run a knife dipped in hot water around the edges of the springform pan before removing it.
