I first whipped these up on a chilly autumn afternoon for my kids and now they always beg me to make them for family game nights. Nothing beats watching everyone’s faces light up when they see those glossy caramel drizzles.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples: Choose fresh firm ones to keep the apple layer from turning mushy
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples. Use high—quality butter for the best flavor
- Brown sugar: Provides warmth and deep sweetness that works so well with apples
- Cinnamon: Essential for cozy spiced flavor in the apples. Pick good cinnamon for that strong aroma
- Nutmeg: A little goes a long way for extra warmth. Totally optional but highly recommended if you enjoy spice
- Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the apple filling with just the right tang. Freshly squeezed is best
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for a smooth creamy texture. Go for full fat for classic flavor
- Heavy whipping cream: Whip it cold for the fluffiest result. This lightens the cheesecake layer beautifully
- Powdered sugar: Gives gentle sweetness to the creamy layer and keeps it smooth
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for a lush aromatic note
- Graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits or Biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers: Choose whichever you love the most. They all add a slightly different twist
- Melted butter: Binds your crumb base and gives that irresistible buttery crunch
- Sugar: Optional for those who like extra sweetness in the base
- Caramel sauce: Homemade or store—bought. Both work beautifully
- Whipped cream: Optional for garnish. For a light finish on top
- Extra crushed cookies or graham crackers: For topping and texture
- Small apple slices or caramel candies: For a pretty and playful finish
