No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Last Updated September 29, 2023. Published November 17, 2019 By Lorie Leave a Comment

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Two of your favorites: caramel apples and cheesecake come together in this simple no bake recipe. This Caramel Apple Cheesecake starts with a graham cracker crust, topped with an easy no bake cheesecake and topped with fried caramel apples. It's a new classic!

Slice of caramel apple cheesecake on white plate with fork marks and caramel dripping down each side.

You know those desserts that make every single occasion all the brighter? The timelessness of an apple pie--whether its a summer evening or a cozy holiday evening around the fire--it's always a good idea. And cheesecake? Well, cheesecake is ALWAYS a good idea.

While we are upon the holiday season, lots of pumpkin pies, pecan pies and the like are swarming the internet. Sure, I love those as well. And I have my own little Pumpkin Pie Crumble if you would prefer.

But I think you may be very excited to start a new tradition with this No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake.

Why You Will Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake:

It's no bake. That's right. A no bake cheesecake topped with apples that are fried stove top and then chilled.
It's so simple to whip up. When they say easy as pie, it's typically not true. However this recipe is 100% EASY as pie!
It is a combo of two dessert classics. What could be better??? Part cheesecake and part apple pie. That's my kind of dream dessert!

What is the difference between baked and no bake cheesecakes?

A baked cheesecake is much more dense and includes eggs. It has much less air incorporated into the mixture to allow for the higher density.

A no bake cheesecake, on the other hand, is much more light and airy. It does not include eggs and is a combination of whipping cream, cream cheese, sugar and sometimes even evaporated milk.

A baked cheesecake holds its form or shape much better while a no bake cheesecake can be more creamy and pudding like. Both are amazing regardless. This No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake is that rich and creamy, light and airy version of cheesecake.

Caramel apple no bake cheesecake with slices taken out and caramel drizzling over the sides on cake stand.

How to make this No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake:

No bake cheesecakes are so simple--whip the ingredients and allow it to set. That is my kind of recipe!

Prepare the graham cracker crust. Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, vanilla, sea salt, and sugar into a bowl and mix to combine. Press firmly into a pie pan and chill for about 2 hours.

Graham cracker sheets in food processor.

Ground up graham cracker crumbs in food processor.

Make the cheesecake. In a medium bowl, using a standing or hand mixer, beat heavy whipping cream on medium until stiff peaks form. This will take several minutes so have patience.
In separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add in vanilla, sour cream and powdered sugar and mix to incorporate. Fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture to fully incorporate. You want to do this gently to allow as possible. Pour mixture into the pie crust and spread evenly. Chill for at least 4-6 hours to allow to set, at least 12 hours is ideal.

Cream cheese and sugar creamed in glass mixing bowl.

Vanilla, powdered sugar, and sour cream added to cheesecake mixture.

No bake cheesecake in springform pie pan before chilling.

Prepare the Caramel Apples. Melt butter over medium heat. Add in apples and cook, stirring regularly until softened Once the apples have softened, add the corn starch along with brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir to combine and allow the corn starch to dissolve. Remove apples from heat, stir in caramel sauce and stir. Transfer to another bowl and chill until cooled.
Ready to serve! When you are ready to serve this no bake caramel cheesecake, you have two options. You can pour the caramel apples on top of the cheesecake and add an extra drizzle of caramel. Or you can cut the cheesecake and add a scoop of apples as you serve. If you don't like big messes or you are worried about presentation, just wait to add the apples. ha! Enjoy!

Brown sugar, cinnamon and corn starch added to skillet with fried apples.

Caramel sauce pouring from measuring cup into fried cinnamon apples.

Caramel apple cheesecake on white cake stand with caramel dripping off the side.

Tips and Notes:

Please, please PLEASE, take the time to allow this to set and chill before adding the apples on top of the cheesecake. If you do not, the cheesecake may melt and even look curdled. It's so not worth rushing with this one.
To save time, use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
Not up for caramel apple? No worries! You can just skip the caramel and make it more like a traditional apple pie flavor. That will still be amazing.