If you’re craving an impressive dessert that’s equal parts showstopper, comfort food, and autumnal dream, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is about to become your newest obsession. Imagine layers of soft, spiced apple cake sandwiching a velvety cheesecake center, all wrapped up in luscious caramel frosting. Each bite delivers cozy cinnamon, juicy apples, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel in perfect harmony. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or looking to make an ordinary day feel extraordinary, this cake always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake lies in its simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one brings a unique note to the final masterpiece—whether it’s a pop of tart apple, warm spices, or the dreamy cloud of caramel frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the apple cake its tender crumb and holds everything together.
- Baking powder & baking soda: A powerhouse duo for lift and just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Bring that unmistakable cozy, autumn warmth to your cake.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both cake and caramel frosting—use good quality for the best flavor.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The combination gives both sweetness and caramel depth to the cake and frosting.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and helping everything meld in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a lovely aromatic background note.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that complements the apples.
- Peeled, finely chopped apples: The star! Choose a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Cream cheese: The heart of your cheesecake layer—make sure it’s fully softened before beating for smoothness.
- Whole milk: Needed in the caramel frosting for silkiness and sheen.
- Powdered sugar: Whisks into the cooled caramel to create a dreamy, spreadable frosting.
- Additional caramel sauce and apple slices (optional): Take your presentation over the top and signal those fabulous flavors inside.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Mix the Cheesecake Layer
Start by lining a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and giving it a thorough greasing—this ensures your cheesecake lifts out perfectly. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until ultra-smooth (no lumps allowed!). Add the sugar, beating until creamy, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, finishing with a splash of vanilla. Pour this mixture into the pan and bake at 325°F for 40 to 45 minutes, until it’s set in the center with just a slight wobble. Let it cool completely, then chill—this makes it easier to layer later on.
Step 2: Whip Up the Apple Cake Batter
Turn the oven up to 350°F and prep two 9-inch round cake pans—grease and flour them well for easy release. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine the dry ingredients evenly. In a separate big bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream, then gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped apples—every bite should get a piece of fruit! Divide the batter between your pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Frosting
This caramel frosting is pure comfort in a bowl! In a saucepan, melt the butter, add the brown sugar, and let it bubble together for a minute or so to develop that rich caramel flavor. Whisk in the milk, bring to a gentle boil, then remove from the heat and allow to cool just slightly—enough to avoid melting your powdered sugar. Beat in the powdered sugar little by little, until your frosting is glossy, thick, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake
Ready for the magic? Place one apple cake layer on your serving plate. Gently add the cold (or slightly frozen) cheesecake layer on top—it should sit nice and sturdy. Crown with the second apple cake layer. Now, go wild with that caramel frosting: spread it thickly over the top and sides. For a bakery-style finish, drizzle extra caramel over the cake and embellish with thin apple slices.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake
Garnishes
This cake is gorgeous right out of the gate, but a few finishing touches really make it sing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for sheen and sticky-sweet flavor, and add thin apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts are also fantastic for a little crunch and visual pop.
Side Dishes
Since Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is quite rich, it pairs beautifully with something simple and refreshing. Try serving with cold apple cider, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for contrast. If you want to keep it ultra-festive, a dollop of fresh whipped cream is always welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your cake into individual mini-cakes using small cake rings, or bake in a rectangular pan and cut into generous squares. For a rustic look, arrange apple slices in a spiral atop the frosting. Dress it up further with edible gold leaf or piped rosettes of the caramel frosting for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake loosely covered in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen after a day or two, and the cheesecake layer keeps the cake wonderfully moist. Allow it to warm up at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before slicing so every layer is luscious and soft.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake! For best results, chill the cake until the frosting is set, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Slice before freezing if you’d like easy portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
While you don’t want to heat the cake through, serving slices slightly chilled or at cool room temperature gives the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a little warmth, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will soften the caramel frosting just enough—watch carefully so it doesn’t become runny.
FAQs
Can I make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake in advance?
Absolutely! Both the cheesecake and apple cake layers can be made a day ahead and kept chilled. Frost and assemble the cake up to a day before serving for stress-free entertaining.
What’s the best type Dessert
Look for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake.
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making the frosting?
Store-bought caramel sauce works well as a drizzle, but the homemade caramel frosting really ties the cake together. For convenience, you could use a high-quality jarred caramel, thickened with extra powdered sugar for spreading, in a pinch.
How do I keep the cheesecake layer from slipping?
Chill or even freeze the cheesecake layer before assembling the cake. This makes it easy to handle and helps the layers stack up without shifting.
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Certainly! Swap in your favorite measure-for-measure gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the apple cake layers. Just check that your other ingredients are certified gluten free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for that one cake recipe that truly steals the show, don’t wait to try this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake. Every forkful feels like a celebration and I promise it’s worth every second of kitchen magic. Let this become your signature fall dessert, and watch the delighted smiles gather around your table!
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with this decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake. Layers of moist apple cake sandwich a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a luscious caramel frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time!
Ingredients
For the apple cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
For the cheesecake:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For topping:
- additional caramel sauce
- thin apple slices (optional)
Instructions
- Cheesecake Layer: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease it. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Bake for 40–45 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Apple Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine dry ingredients. Beat butter and sugars, add eggs, vanilla, sour cream. Mix in dry ingredients and apples. Divide batter between two pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Caramel Frosting: Melt butter, add brown sugar, boil. Stir in milk, bring to boil. Remove from heat, cool slightly, whisk in powdered sugar.
- Assembly: Place one cake layer, top with cheesecake layer, then second cake layer. Frost with caramel. Drizzle with extra caramel, decorate with apple slices.
Notes
- For easier layering, freeze the cheesecake layer before assembly.
- Store the finished cake in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
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