Prepare to discover the **easiest Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie recipe you will ever make** – we guarantee it! This incredible dessert brings together the comforting flavors of a classic caramel apple pie and the rich, creamy texture of a cheesecake, all in one delightful bite. By utilizing a readily available graham cracker crust, convenient canned apple pie filling, smooth cream cheese, and a luscious store-bought caramel sundae sauce, you can whip up this impressive treat with minimal effort. This sweet and tangy combination, crowned with a decadent caramel topping and crunchy pecans, is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Whether you’re searching for a quick weeknight dessert, a stunning dish to bring to a potluck, or even a unique alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pie, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie is an ideal choice. Its popularity soars during the autumn months when apples are at their peak and throughout the bustling holiday season, but its delightful flavors make it a fantastic option any time of the year. Plus, with simple adjustments, this versatile recipe can be made lactose-free or friendly for Weight Watchers, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this heavenly dessert.

Why This Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Will Be Your New Favorite

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s genuinely enjoyable to make and even more so to eat. Here’s why this Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake will quickly become a cherished part of your dessert repertoire:

• Effortlessly Simple: We mean it when we say “dead easy!” This recipe streamlines the dessert-making process by leveraging readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to create an exquisite pie without hours in the kitchen. No complicated techniques or fussy water baths required!
• The Best of Both Worlds: Why choose between a comforting apple pie and a decadent cheesecake when you can have both? This recipe masterfully combines the warm, spiced notes of baked apples with the smooth, tangy creaminess of cheesecake, all harmonized by rich caramel. It’s a textural and flavor dream.
• No-Fuss Crust: Forget about wrestling with homemade pastry! This recipe embraces convenience by recommending a store-bought graham cracker crust. This not only saves precious time but also contributes to the cheesecake-like character of the dessert, ensuring a perfectly crisp and buttery foundation every time. If you prefer, making your own graham cracker crust from scratch is also a simple option.
• Ready-Made Caramel Brilliance: Elevating this pie to gourmet status doesn’t require complex caramel-making. By using a quality store-bought caramel sundae sauce, you get that irresistible sweet, buttery drizzle with zero fuss. It’s a shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Flexible for Any Occasion: This cheesecake pie is incredibly versatile. It can be prepared last-minute for an impromptu gathering or made well in advance, as it only requires a couple of hours of refrigeration to set beautifully. This makes it a stress-free option for busy hosts and home bakers alike.

This delightful Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake recipe finds its roots in a cherished cookbook, a treasured gift from my Grandma over 25 years ago. It has been adapted over time to make it even more accessible without sacrificing any of its original charm or deliciousness.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Success

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dessert. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each component:

• Canned Apple Pie Filling: This is your secret weapon for speed and convenience in this recipe. While any good quality canned apple pie filling will work, I often use E.D. Smith for its consistent quality. If you have extra time or prefer a more customized flavor, feel free to use a homemade apple pie filling. Look for fillings with distinct apple pieces and a balanced spice blend.
• Graham Wafer Crust (9-inch): A store-bought graham cracker crust is a fantastic time-saver and provides the perfect buttery, crumbly base that complements the creamy cheesecake layer beautifully. This choice truly enhances the “cheesecake” aspect of the pie. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can easily make your own by crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter and a touch of sugar.
• Cream Cheese (16 ounces): For the smoothest possible cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature. This typically takes 30-45 minutes out of the fridge. While I prefer light/low-fat cream cheese for a slightly less heavy dessert, regular full-fat cream cheese will yield an even richer, denser texture. Fat-free can also be used, though the texture might be slightly different.
• White Sugar (½ cup): Granulated white sugar provides the perfect sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese. You can adjust this amount slightly to taste, or even experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs are essential for binding the cheesecake mixture and giving it its characteristic smooth, set texture. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing with the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors in the cheesecake, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Caramel Sundae Sauce (¼ cup): This is another key convenience item. Store-bought sundae sauce, such as Smucker’s, delivers that classic caramel flavor instantly. For an elevated touch, consider warming it gently with a pinch of sea salt or a splash of cream before drizzling. You can also opt for enhancing store-bought caramel or using a homemade caramel sauce.
• Pecan Halves (20 halves + 2 tbsp chopped): Pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pie layers. They also make an elegant garnish. Feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• Fresh Apple (1 apple): While optional, a fresh apple sliced thinly provides a lovely textural contrast and a burst of fresh apple flavor, making it a fantastic garnish. Choose a firm, crisp apple variety that holds its shape well.

*Please refer to the complete recipe card below for precise ingredient quantities and further details.

Creative Variations & Dietary Substitutions

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs with these suggestions:

• Lactose-Free Version: Easily adapt this dessert by using lactose-free cream cheese and a lactose-free caramel sauce (many brands offer these, or you can make your own with lactose-free milk). If making a homemade graham cracker crust, substitute regular butter with vegan margarine.
• WW (Weight Watchers) Friendly: To make this dessert lighter, opt for fat-free cream cheese and a light margarine for your graham cracker crust. Instead of canned pie filling, consider using my WW-friendly apple topping. For further point reduction (if you’re comfortable with artificial sweeteners), use a sugar-free caramel sauce and a suitable sugar substitute in the cheesecake filling.
• Homemade Apple Pie Filling: For a more personalized touch and a depth of flavor, you can absolutely use a homemade apple pie filling instead of canned. This allows you to control the sweetness and spices.
• Custom Graham Cracker Crust: While store-bought is incredibly convenient, crafting your own crust is simple. Just grind graham crackers into fine crumbs in a food processor, then mix with melted butter and a touch of sugar. Press firmly into your pie pan and bake for a few minutes before adding the filling for extra crispness.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Instead of white sugar, you could use brown sugar in the cheesecake filling for a richer, more molasses-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple and caramel. Maple syrup or honey could also be used for a different twist, adjusting quantities as needed for desired sweetness.
• Gourmet Caramel Sauce: Elevate your caramel! While store-bought sundae sauce is excellent for ease, consider using a high-quality salted caramel sauce for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast. Alternatively, if you love to bake from scratch, a homemade caramel sauce will take this pie to the next level. You can also “improve” store-bought caramel by warming it with a splash of cream or a pinch of sea salt.
• Nut Varieties: If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have them on hand, walnuts, almonds, or even toasted hazelnuts would make excellent crunchy toppings.

🔪 Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

One of the best aspects of this cheesecake pie is its simplicity – you absolutely do NOT need to bother with a water bath, making it much more forgiving than traditional cheesecakes!

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
• Open your can of apple pie filling. Carefully reserve ¾ cup of this filling and set it aside for later use as a topping.
• Spoon the remaining apple pie filling evenly onto the bottom of your graham cracker pie crust. Spread it gently to create a uniform layer.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer (either a hand mixer on medium speed or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat the mixture until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for a velvety cheesecake texture, so ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent clumping.

Crack the eggs and add them to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low to medium speed just until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth again. Be careful not to overbeat the eggs, as this can introduce too much air, which might cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.

Gently pour the cheesecake mixture into the pie shell, allowing it to settle over the apple pie filling. *IMPORTANT NOTE: After taking this photo, I realized the pie shell was too full. I ended up removing approximately ¾ of a cup of the cheesecake filling. It’s better to underfill slightly to prevent overflow during baking. If you have any excess filling, you can use it to make delicious mini cheesecake pies in muffin tins.

Bake the cheesecake for approximately 35 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. For precise doneness, the internal temperature should reach 150°F (65°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer (*See Top Tip below for more on this). Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and cool it completely on a wire rack to prevent cracks.

While the cheesecake cools, combine the reserved ¾ cup of apple pie filling with the ¼ cup of caramel sundae sauce in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat on the stovetop for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, just until warmed through and combined. This creates a beautifully glossy and flavorful topping.

Once the cheesecake has cooled, arrange thin slices or small wedges of fresh apple around the outside edge of the pie. You can create any pattern you like for a beautiful presentation. *This step is optional, but the fresh apple slices add a wonderful, crisp texture contrast and a vibrant look to the creamy cheesecake pie. To prevent browning, you can toss the apple slices in a tiny bit of lemon juice beforehand.

Evenly spoon the warm caramel apple pie topping mixture over the surface of the cheesecake. Gently spread it with the back of a spoon to create a smooth, glistening layer that covers the entire top of the pie.

• Decorate the pie by arranging pecan halves on top of the fresh apple wedges, or in any pattern you prefer.
• For added crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle the center of the pie with chopped pecans.
• This step is all about your personal touch and making the pie look as inviting as possible!
• Finally, and most importantly, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) until thoroughly chilled and firm. Serve cold for the best texture and flavor.

Expert Recipe Tips for a Flawless Pie

Achieve perfection with your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie by following these pro tips:

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: This is non-negotiable for a silky-smooth filling. Cold cream cheese will inevitably result in a lumpy batter, no matter how much you beat it. Allow your cream cheese to sit at room temperature for at least 30-45 minutes before you begin mixing.
• Don’t Overfill the Crust: A common mistake! Leave about half an inch of space at the top of the pie crust to account for expansion during baking. Overfilling can lead to messy overflows in your oven or cracks as the pie cools. If you have extra cheesecake filling, pour it into muffin tins lined with paper cups to make delightful mini cheesecakes.
• Check Doneness with a Thermometer: While a slight jiggle in the center is a good visual cue, for absolute certainty, use an instant-read thermometer. The center of the cheesecake should register 150°F (65°C). This ensures it’s perfectly set without being overbaked, which can cause a dry texture or cracks.
• Cool Gradually: Rapid temperature changes are a cheesecake’s worst enemy, often leading to unsightly cracks. After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 1 hour before transferring it to the refrigerator.
• Chill Thoroughly for Clean Slices: Patience is key here! Refrigerating the pie for a minimum of 2 hours, and ideally overnight, allows all the layers to firm up properly. This crucial step ensures that each slice holds its shape beautifully and cuts cleanly, giving you a bakery-quality presentation.
• Use a Hot Knife for Slicing: For impeccably neat slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. Repeat this process for each slice. The warm blade glides through the cheesecake and caramel layers without dragging.
• Upgrade Store-Bought Caramel: Transform a basic caramel sundae sauce into something extraordinary. Gently warm it on the stovetop with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a salted caramel twist, or stir in a splash of heavy cream to thin it slightly and make it richer and more luxurious.
• Prevent Apple Garnish from Browning: If you’re using fresh apple slices for garnish and plan to serve the pie later, toss them lightly in a small amount of lemon juice. The acidity will prevent oxidation and keep the apples looking fresh and bright. Alternatively, choose apple varieties like Cosmic Crisp, which are naturally slow to brown.
• Serve in Dessert Bowls if Needed: Keep in mind that this cheesecake pie has a softer, more luscious consistency than a very dense, traditional New York-style cheesecake. If you’ve just chilled it for the minimum time or prefer a softer texture, serving individual slices in small dessert bowls can be a smart and elegant solution.
• Make It Your Own: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Beyond the pecans, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

🥗 What to Serve with Your Apple Cheesecake Pie

This delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie is a show-stopping dessert on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary dishes and drinks. Its warm, comforting flavors make it an excellent choice following cozy fall meals such as:

• My hearty Secret Ingredient Spaghetti Sauce, a rich and flavorful pasta dish.
• A comforting bowl of Healthy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, perfect for a chilly evening.
• Or, as shown, this savory and satisfying Baked Chicken Cacciatore, a classic Italian-American favorite.

For beverages, consider serving it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting spiced tea, or even a glass of sparkling cider. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream can also elevate the experience, adding an extra layer of creaminess and indulgence to this already magnificent dessert.

Top Tip for Cheesecake Perfection

Determining the precise moment your cheesecake apple pie is perfectly baked can be tricky. While the visual cue of a slight jiggle in the very center is helpful, it can also be misleading. For guaranteed success and ideal texture, the most accurate method is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link). When inserted into the center of the cheesecake, the thermometer should read exactly 150 degrees F (65 degrees C). This ensures the cheesecake is fully set without being overbaked, which can lead to a dry texture or cracks.

An instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) is an invaluable tool for any home cook and a fantastic investment. Its versatility extends far beyond cheesecakes, making it an essential gadget for ensuring food is cooked safely and perfectly without the guesswork of cutting into it. It’s ideal for:

• Perfectly baked breads, freeform loaves, and soft rolls.
• Ensuring ideal doneness for various meats, including pork, chicken, salmon, and beef.
• Precisely cooking grilled and roasted foods to your desired temperature.
• Achieving consistent results with air fryer recipes.
• Confirming the doneness of a wide range of baked desserts.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

To keep your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Store the cooled pie in the refrigerator within an airtight container. It will remain wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re simply storing it overnight, a tight covering of plastic wrap will suffice to protect its flavor and texture.

It’s important to note that the ingredients in this particular cheesecake pie do not hold up well to freezing. The creamy texture of the cheesecake and the fruit filling can become grainy or watery upon thawing, compromising the overall quality of the dessert. For best results, enjoy this pie fresh and within the recommended refrigeration period.

👪 Serving Size & Customization

This luscious, creamy cheesecake pie is designed to generously serve 8 people. Each slice offers a satisfying portion of this unique dessert. However, if you’re hosting a larger gathering or simply want more servings, the recipe is easily adjustable. You can seamlessly double or triple the recipe directly within the interactive recipe card below by simply clicking on the serving number and selecting your desired quantity. The ingredient amounts will automatically update to reflect your choice. Just ensure you have enough 9-inch pie pans on hand for any additional pies you wish to bake!

Conversely, if you’re serving alongside a large meal or prefer smaller, more manageable portions, you can easily cut the pie into 10 or even 12 slices, making it stretch further for a crowd without compromising on the delightful flavor experience.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

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