Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake. With moist apple cake layers, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel sauce drizzled on top, this dessert is a showstopper that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves apples, cheesecake, and caramel. It beautifully combines the sweet and spiced flavors of apple cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake, topped off with a decadent caramel sauce. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will impress friends and family alike. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake will surely be a hit.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

4 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup finely chopped apples, peeled and cored
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper as well.

Make the Cake:
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow. Stir in the vanilla extract, applesauce, and vegetable oil. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until smooth. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts if using.

Whip Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.

Combine Batter:
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the apple batter, a third at a time, until well combined and no streaks remain.

Bake the Cake:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will clump and eventually melt into a thick brown liquid. Be careful not to burn it. Once melted, immediately add the butter, stirring until it’s fully melted.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a nice touch. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over individual slices or over the whole cake before serving for an extra delicious experience.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake (without the caramel sauce) for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t rush the caramel; stir continuously for the best results and to prevent burning.
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling for the best texture.

Variation

You can add spices like nutmeg or even a touch of ginger to the cake for an extra flavor kick. Swap out walnuts for pecans or leave them out entirely if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you like, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, depending on your taste preference.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake and prepare the cheesecake filling the day before. Just assemble and add the caramel sauce when you are ready to serve.

What should I do if the caramel sauce hardens?
If your caramel hardens, gently reheat it on low heat while stirring until it melts again. Adding a little water can also help return it to the desired consistency.