Have you ever had one of those days where you’re just craving something absolutely indulgent? You know the kind. It’s that sweet moment when you want to wrap yourself in fluffy clouds of flavor. That’s when I turn to my favorite dessert: Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake! Let me tell you, this decadent creation has a warm and gooey blondie base, perfectly creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet, sticky goodness of caramel apples on top. It’s a hug in dessert form.
Every time I bake this beauty, I’m reminded of cozy autumn evenings spent with friends and family, laughing over coffee and decadent desserts. I swear there’s some sort of magical alchemy that happens when the warm blondie meets the creamy cheesecake and caramel apples – it’s the perfect marriage of flavors. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for all those special occasions (or just a Tuesday night, because why not?).
What’s in Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake?
Unsalted Butter: The base of both the blondie and the caramel topping, adds richness and moisture to our dessert. I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness better.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the buttery flavor of the blondies and helps create that soft, fudgy texture we all adore.
Eggs: The glue that holds our blondie base together, adding moisture and structure to the dessert.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile. Use a good-quality vanilla for best results!
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the blondie base. Gluten is your friend here in creating that chewy texture.
Baking Powder: Provides the leavening needed for our blondie to puff up just a little.
Salt: Just a pinch! It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient in our cheesecake filling! Make sure it’s softened for a smooth texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and gives it that fluffy texture we crave.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipping this up adds an airy element to the cheesecake, lightening things up a bit.
Apples: For our topping, juicy and sweet apples will caramelize beautifully in butter and sugar. I love using Granny Smith apples for that delightful tartness!
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the caramel apples, making them truly fall-in-a-bite.
Caramel Sauce: An absolute must! It drizzles beautifully on top and enhances the caramel flavor throughout.
Is Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Good for You?
Alright, let’s be real. This is a treat, and it’s more on the indulgent side of the spectrum! But hey, every now and then, we all deserve a little decadence.
Apples: They’re the star of the topping, packed with vitamins A and C, plus fiber. So while we are digging into a dessert, at least there’s some fruit in there, right?
Cream Cheese: It’s rich, but it does provide a bit of protein, and who wouldn’t want a good source of calcium? Just remember to balance this treat with lighter meals.
The blondie base, all that butter, and sugar sure offer some love to the taste buds but maybe don’t make this your everyday dessert. Moderation is key, friends!
Ingredients
– For the Blondie Base:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– For the Caramel Apple Topping:
– 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
– Servings: This recipe makes about 12–16 beautiful slices.
How to Make Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake?
1. **Prepare the Blondie Base**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
– In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
– Add in the eggs and the vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all well combined.
– In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
– Pour the blondie batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth it out. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
2. **Make the Cheesecake Filling**:
– In a mixing bowl, beat that softened cream cheese until it’s dreamy and smooth.
– Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
– In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, and then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until it’s combined beautifully.
– Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled blondie base and smooth out the top. Pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set.
3. **Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping**:
– In a skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Toss in the apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
– Cook those apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and deliciously caramelized.
– Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce.
4. **Assemble the Cheesecake**:
– When the cheesecake has set, layer that scrumptious caramel apple mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
– Don’t forget to drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for that extra wow factor!
5. **Serve**:
– Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice, serve, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Sweet Tips for a Sweet Treat
– For a little extra flair, serve your slices with a dollop of whipped cream on the side and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch.
– I often make this a day in advance. It just gets better with time as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just remember to store it in the fridge.
If you decide to whip up this Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! Let the aroma fill your kitchen and your heart, and know that you’re about to enjoy one of the most delicious desserts ever. Happy baking!
