If you’re looking for a show-stopping fall dessert that combines all your favorite cozy flavors, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate treat. With layers of spiced apple cake, a luscious cheesecake center, and plenty of gooey caramel dripping down the sides, every bite tastes like autumn in cake form. It’s a little bit of apple pie, a little bit of cheesecake, and a whole lot of celebration all stacked into one impressive creation. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner, planning a holiday feast, or just feel like indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake comes from simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role in making this cake impossibly moist, rich, and downright irresistible.

All-purpose flour: This is your foundation for a tender crumb in the apple cake layers.
Baking powder & baking soda: Both ensure the cake rises beautifully and has the perfect balance of lightness and structure.
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the sweet fall flavors.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These warm spices infuse the apple cake with cozy, autumnal depth.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and a lovely buttery flavor to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist texture in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses, making the apple cake layers extra flavorful and slightly caramel-like.
Eggs: These bind everything together and provide structure for both the cake and cheesecake components.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the warmth of the flavors.
Buttermilk: Ensures the apple cake layers stay deliciously moist with a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
Peeled and diced apples: The star ingredient; use tart apples like Granny Smith for bright, balanced flavor and juicy bites throughout.
Cream cheese (softened): The secret to an incredibly creamy and smooth cheesecake layer.
Caramel sauce: Creates that signature decadent finish—pick your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Chopped pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle on top for extra flair.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans, plus a 9-inch springform pan for the cheesecake layer. Having your pans ready from the get-go ensures all the layers bake up perfectly and pop out without a hitch.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar until extra smooth—no lumps! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this creamy mixture into your springform pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until it looks set and gently golden. Cool completely and chill, so it’s firm and ready to layer later.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

For the apple cake layers, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This step ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Cream the Butter

In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and pale. Beat in the eggs, one by one, then stir in vanilla. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk in batches, mixing until the batter is just combined and silky.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples, coating them evenly in batter. This keeps the fruit dispersed and means juicy apple pieces in every slice of your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake!

Step 6: Bake the Apple Cake Layers

Divide the apple cake batter between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes are golden-brown. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

Step 7: Assemble the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

On a serving plate, place one apple cake layer. Carefully top with the chilled cheesecake layer, then add the second apple cake layer. Pour caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip invitingly down the sides. Sprinkle with chopped pecans for a fancy (and tasty) finishing touch. Chill for at least 1 more hour—this helps the cake slice beautifully!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of caramel sauce is non-negotiable for this recipe, but don’t stop there! Scatter more chopped pecans or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to bring out the depth of flavor. For an extra flourish, try a swirl of whipped cream or a few paper-thin apple slices on top.

Side Dishes

This cake is a real showpiece, so keep your sides simple. I love serving Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake with hot coffee, chai tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream melts into all those caramel drips—it’s heaven in a bowl!

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at a gathering, slice the cake into wedges and serve each on small dessert plates with a light drizzle of caramel. Feeling bold? Try cutting the cake into small squares for a party tray, or layer cubes into mini parfait glasses with more caramel and pecans for bite-sized elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors get even deeper and richer by day two.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Slice it, wrap each piece well, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before indulging. The cheesecake and apple cake layers both hold up perfectly when properly wrapped.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want a warm touch, microwave an individual slice for just 8–10 seconds—just enough to make the caramel extra gooey.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith are classic for their firm texture and tang, but feel free to swap in Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter note. Just avoid apples that get mushy when baked.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Let your cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing, and avoid overbaking. Chilling the cheesecake completely before layering also helps keep it beautifully smooth and crack-free in your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake.

Is it possible to make the cake layers or cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cheesecake and apple cake layers a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble the next day for stress-free entertaining.

Can I skip the pecans or substitute another nut?

Of course. Pecans add a lovely crunch, but walnuts, almonds, or even toasted hazelnuts work too. Or, if you prefer, simply leave them off entirely for a nut-free version of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake.

What’s the best way to slice and serve this cake?

Chilling the assembled cake for at least an hour is key—this sets the layers and helps the cake cut cleanly. Use a sharp, serrated knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for picture-perfect slices each time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and new, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake really delivers. It’s the stuff sweet memories are made of and will quickly become a star at your table. Go ahead—gather your ingredients, embrace those autumn flavors, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly unforgettable!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake that combines the flavors of apple cake, creamy cheesecake, and decadent caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Cake Layers:

2 cups all-purpose flour
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 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and diced apples

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Cheesecake Layer: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well, and bake for 40–45 minutes. Cool and chill.
Apple Cake Layers: Preheat oven and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk, fold in apples. Divide batter, bake, and cool.
Assembly: Place one apple cake layer, top with chilled cheesecake, then second cake layer. Pour caramel sauce, sprinkle with pecans. Chill before slicing.