Fall is all about cozy moments, warm flavors, and desserts that bring people together. And what better way to embrace the season than with a show-stopping Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake? This dessert is the epitome of indulgence—combining a chewy apple blondie base, a creamy caramel cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon apples, and clouds of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that tastes like a crisp autumn day.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe. The air smelled like caramel apples, and my family couldn’t resist sneaking spoonfuls of the cheesecake filling while I wasn’t looking. Now, this dessert is a staple at every fall gathering, whether it’s Thanksgiving, a weekend dinner party, or a quiet evening at home with loved ones. It’s a dessert that brings smiles and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

If you’re ready to create a dessert that wows, let’s dive in. This guide will walk you through every step, with tips and tricks to make this Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake a masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Fall: Packed with the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon, apples, and caramel.
Impressive Yet Simple: While it looks stunning, each layer is straightforward to make.
Balanced Texture and Flavor: The chewy blondie contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and fluffy whipped cream.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for entertaining since you can prep it ahead of time.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: ~6 hours (mostly inactive)
Servings: 10-12 generous slices

Ingredients Breakdown

Apple Blondie Base

1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for the blondie, creating a chewy texture.
3/4 tsp baking powder & 1/4 tsp baking soda: Ensures just the right amount of lift and softness.
1/2 tsp cinnamon & 1 tsp apple pie spice: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness.
1 cup (224g) packed light brown sugar: The molasses notes in brown sugar complement the apples beautifully.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
1 large egg & 1 large egg white: Provides structure and helps bind the blondie.
2/3 cup (79g) chopped apple: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a delightful texture.

Caramel Cheesecake Filling

16 oz cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy base of the cheesecake layer.
1/2 cup (104g) sugar & 6 tbsp (84g) light brown sugar: Combine to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce: Infuses the cheesecake with caramel richness.
1/2 tsp apple pie spice: Ties in the warm, spiced notes from the blondie.
3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold: Whipped to lighten the cheesecake mixture.
5 tbsp (44g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without grittiness.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.

Cinnamon Apples

2 cups (237g) peeled, roughly chopped apples: Use a tart variety like Granny Smith for contrast.
2 tsp lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents browning.
Pinch of nutmeg & 1 tsp cinnamon: The spices that give the apples their signature flavor.
4 tbsp (56g) packed light brown sugar: Sweetens the apples as they cook.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a caramel-like glaze as the apples cook.

Whipped Cream

3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold: Whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy topping.
1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without weighing down the cream.
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Complements the apples and blondie.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Blondie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and egg white, and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the blondie to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Wash and reassemble the springform pan, grease the sides, and place the cooled blondie back in the pan.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the caramel sauce and apple pie spice, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks.
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions. Take your time to ensure a smooth, airy filling.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled blondie base. Cover and refrigerate for 4-5 hours, or until firm.

3. Cook the Cinnamon Apples

Combine the apples, lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
Remove from heat and allow the apples to cool for 15-20 minutes.

4. Make the Whipped Cream and Assemble

Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
Pipe or spoon the whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake.
Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples onto the center of the cheesecake. Drizzle with caramel sauce for a finishing touch.

How to Serve

Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pair with a hot drink like spiced chai, black tea, or a caramel latte.

Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth cheesecake filling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t rush the refrigeration—it allows the cheesecake to set properly.
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Prevent Soggy Apples: Pat the cooked apples dry before adding them to the cheesecake.
Even Blondie Base: Spread the batter evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Nutty Addition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the blondie batter for extra crunch.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in the cheesecake layer.
Extra Caramel: Swirl additional caramel into the cheesecake layer before chilling.

Storing and Freezing

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cheesecake (without apples and whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQ

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes! Just ensure it’s thick and high-quality for the best results.

What apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make this dessert ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble the cheesecake and refrigerate it overnight. Add the toppings just before serving.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake is everything you want in a fall dessert: indulgent, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, it’s a dessert that delivers on all fronts. I can’t wait to see your creations—tag me on social media so I can admire your masterpiece! Enjoy every delicious bite.

Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake – A Decadent Fall Dessert

Author: Taylor Harisson
Total Time: ~6 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A decadent fall dessert featuring a chewy apple blondie base, creamy caramel cheesecake filling, spiced cinnamon apples, and whipped cream topping. Perfect for holidays and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Blondie Base:

1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp apple pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (224g) packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg white
2/3 cup (79g) chopped apple

Caramel Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (104g) sugar
6 tbsp (84g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce
1/2 tsp apple pie spice
3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
5 tbsp (44g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Apples:

2 cups (237g) peeled, roughly chopped apples
2 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp (56g) packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Whipped Cream:

3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Blondie Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt) in one bowl.
- Combine melted butter and brown sugar in another bowl. Add vanilla, egg, and egg white. Mix in dry ingredients and fold in chopped apple.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely, then reassemble pan and place the blondie back in it.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese, sugars, caramel sauce, and apple pie spice until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Spread over cooled blondie and chill for 4-5 hours.
Make Cinnamon Apples:
- Cook apples with lemon juice, spices, sugar, and butter over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Cool.
Make Whipped Cream & Assemble:
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pipe whipped cream onto cheesecake edges, add apples to the center, and drizzle with caramel.

Notes

Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Chill cheesecake fully to ensure proper setting.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, No-Bake (Cheesecake layer)
Cuisine: American