Apple Pecan Cheesecake Recipe

This apple pecan cheesecake has all the flavor of caramel apples baked right into a creamy cheesecake, with a cinnamon pecan crust underneath and cinnamon sugar apples on top. It's perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and once you make it, you'll get asked to make it year after year.

If you're on an apple kick this time of year like I am, you'll want to try our Fried Apples, Apple Cider Coffee Cake, and Better Homes and Garden Apple Pie, too.

I'm a huge fan of cheesecake, and every fall this is the one I want. The flavors just taste like fall. We think apples reign supreme when it comes to fall flavors, so this is a nice break from all the pumpkin everything this time of year.

This cheesecake is sure to elicit ooh's and ah's from your guests. We usually serve it just like it is, but you can never go wrong with a big ol' dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Ingredients Needed

• Graham cracker crumbs - You can buy them already crushed or crush your own graham crackers in a zip-top bag. A premade graham cracker or shortbread crust works too if you want to save time.
• Pecans - Chopped pecans go in the crust and on top of the apples. Local pecans are always best if you can get them, and walnuts work just as well.
• Sugar - It goes in the crust, the filling, and the apple topping.
• Cinnamon - This gives the crust and the apples that warm fall flavor.
• Butter - Melted butter holds the crust together.
• Cream cheese - Let it come to room temperature so your filling mixes up smooth instead of lumpy.
• Vanilla extract - Just a teaspoon for flavor.
• Eggs - Large eggs, also at room temperature.
• Apples - I use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they're firm and hold their shape. Pears or firm peaches are fun to try for a totally different take.
• Salted caramel sauce - Optional, but it really leans into the caramel apple flavor.

You will also need a 9-inch springform pan and an electric mixer. See the recipe card below for quantities and instructions.

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How to Make Apple Pecan Cheesecake

1. Make the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press it into the bottom of the springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
2. Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then mix in the eggs just until combined. Pour it over the crust.
3. Add the apples: Toss the apple slices in cinnamon sugar and arrange them on top of the filling any way you like. Sprinkle with the remaining pecans.
4. Bake. Bake until the center is nearly set, about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes.
5. Loosen the sides. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the inside of the pan before removing the rim.
6. Chill. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.
   

Sara's Expert Tips

• Let your eggs and cream cheese come to room temperature before you start. Cold cream cheese leaves lumps that no amount of mixing will fix.
• Stick with a firm apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Softer apples turn mushy in the oven.
• Don't skip running the knife around the edge before you remove the rim. It keeps the sides from tearing.

Storage Information

Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can freeze it too. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This apple caramel cheesecake is absolutely fabulous just like it is with nothing else on top and that's the way we usually serve it. Of course, you can never go wrong with a big ol' dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For an bit of extra indulgence drizzle your apple cheesecake with a good quality salted caramel sauce like this one from Ghirardelli. It's really hard to go wrong with apples, cream cheese, pecans and caramel.

Recipe FAQs

More recipes perfect for fall

• Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes
• How to Make Homemade Sweet Potato Butter
• Sweet Potato Biscuits
• Spiced Pear Bourbon Iced Tea
• Bourbon Cocktail with Honey and Sage
• Baked Camembert with Honey, Pears & Pecans
• Baked Brie with Bacon and Apples
• Honey Roasted Pecans