If you’re a fan of cozy, spiced apple desserts and the rich creaminess of cheesecake, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is your perfect match. With its light, spiced apple cake layers, a fluffy cheesecake filling, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzled over the top, this dessert is both comforting and elegant—a guaranteed showstopper for holidays, celebrations, or just because.

This recipe combines the best elements of apple cake and no-bake cheesecake in one stunning, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth on a crisp autumn evening.

Why This Recipe Works

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is perfect for:

• Fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy Sunday baking
• Apple lovers who want something richer than classic pie
• Cheesecake fans looking for a light, airy twist
• Home bakers who want a make-ahead dessert that’s easy but impressive

The sponge-like apple cake is packed with real fruit and warm spices, while the cheesecake layer is pillowy and light, thanks to whipped cream folded into sweetened cream cheese. And then—there’s the caramel. Buttery, silky, and slightly salted, it elevates everything it touches.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Apple 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 (225g) 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

Kitchen Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• 3 mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or spoon for spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

• In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of sugar until pale and thick.
• Stir in vanilla, 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 wet mixture. Stir until combined.
• Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using).

2. Whip the Egg Whites

• In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whites into the batter in thirds, being careful not to deflate them.

3. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling

• Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Chill if needed for easier spreading.

5. Make the Caramel Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it becomes a golden amber syrup (about 8–10 minutes). Stir constantly.
• Add the butter, whisking until melted and combined.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking—be cautious, as it will bubble vigorously.
• Stir in a pinch of salt. Let cool before using.

Assembly Instructions

• Once the cake has cooled, cut it in half horizontally if you’d like to make a layer cake. Alternatively, leave it whole and spread the cheesecake on top.
• Spread the cheesecake filling over the cooled cake or bottom layer.
• If layering, gently place the second cake layer on top.
• Drizzle generously with caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Chill for at least 1–2 hours before serving.

Shortcut Tip: Skip layering and serve as a single-layer cake with cheesecake topping and caramel drizzle—it’s just as delicious and faster to assemble.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without caramel) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add the caramel just before serving.
• Make-Ahead: All elements can be made a day in advance. Assemble shortly before serving for best texture.

Easy Recipe Variations

• No Nuts: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
• Add a Crust: Bake the cake over a graham cracker crust for an extra cheesecake feel.
• Spice It Up: Add ground ginger or allspice for a bolder flavor.
• Apple Options: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch.
• Caramel Swap: Use store-bought caramel if you’re short on time.

Pairing Suggestions

• Drink Pairings: This cake is fantastic with spiced chai tea, hot apple cider, or vanilla lattes.
• Serve With: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Make It a Meal: This dessert shines after roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or holiday ham dinners.

FAQ

Can I make this in a round pan?

Yes, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans for a more traditional layer cake presentation.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The top should also spring back when lightly touched.

Is the caramel supposed to harden?

No, it should remain pourable and silky. If it gets too thick, gently warm it before drizzling.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?

Yes, but the flavor will be less rich and natural. Whipping real cream gives the best texture.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Absolutely—just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

A Sweet Ending to Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply to savor the comforting flavors of fall, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is guaranteed to please. It’s a beautiful combination of textures and flavors—moist apple cake, fluffy cheesecake, and silky caramel—that delivers a restaurant-quality dessert from the comfort of your kitchen.

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Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite! 🍎🧁✨