Cream Cheese Apple Tart

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Cream Cheese Apple Tart. The rich cheesecake filling, juicy apples, and caramel-pecan-chocolate topping create a dreamy dessert for autumn. You'll want to make this turtle dessert all season long!

Jump to:

• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Tart
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Main Ingredients
• How To Make A Cream Cheese Apple Tart
• Storage Recommendations
• Tips and Tricks
• FAQs
• More Apple Desserts
• Cheesecake Love
• Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Tart

Are you looking for a new dessert to share at holiday parties this year? We have you covered with an apple cream cheese tart that is so good it will be gone before you know it! Get ready to enjoy all the flavors of Fall in one pan.

I love transforming classic desserts into unique treats. This year, I added a turtle topping to our apple pie cheesecake. The extra toppings gave it a fantastic flavor, similar to caramel apples.

It's so easy to make, too! You only need some simple ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time to get it in the oven. Once it cools, it can be topped in just a few minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Impressive but Easy—This dessert looks extra fancy, but it's easy to make! Your friends will think you spent hours on it (but you won't!).
• Creamy & Crunchy—The cream cheese layer is rich and velvety, contrasting with the crunchy turtle topping.
• Impressively Delicious—This tart tastes like something you'd get from a bakery, but it's so simple to make at home. No one has to know how easy it is!
• Perfect for Fall—Caramel, pecans, and apple pie filling give this tart a cozy fall vibe. It's great for family dinners, gatherings, or just when you want something warm and comforting.

Main Ingredients

This easy caramel apple tart recipe requires only a few ingredients. It tastes so good that you might want to double the recipe.

• Pie Crust: This easy tart can be made with store-bought or homemade pastry dough.
• Cream Cheese: We like to use full-fat cream cheese in our desserts. Make sure to set it out ahead of time so it can soften to room temperature.
• Caramel Ice Cream Topping: You will use this instead of sugar to sweeten the cheesecake filling. You can use regular or salted caramel.
• Apple Filling: I used one can of store-bought pie filling for the topping in this tart to save time. You can also use 1 ½ cups of this stovetop apple pie filling.
• Toppings: Kraft caramel squares, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans give this caramel apple tart a delicious turtle flair.

How To Make A Cream Cheese Apple Tart

Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this easy caramel apple cheesecake tart. When you serve it on the dessert table, your guests will be impressed with your baking skills.

1. Use a rolling pin to roll the pie dough on a floured work surface. Then, place it in a 10-inch tart tin. Fold under the excess dough, then press the edges into the sides of the pan or crimp if desired. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Beat the softened cream cheese until light and creamy. Add caramel ice cream topping and mix again. 
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the tart shell. Gently spoon the apple pie filling over the cheesecake batter.
4. Cover the edges of the tart dough and bake until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
5. Unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a small pan with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes. Spoon the caramel candies evenly over the top of the filling. 
6. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave. Use 50% power to avoid scorching or burning the chocolate as it melts. Drizzle a little bit of melted chocolate over the caramel, then top with chopped pecans.

Storage Recommendations

In the Refrigerator: Store the pie in an airtight container for 3-4 days. After a few days, the gooey caramel will get a little watery, but the tart will still taste delicious.

In the Freezer: Place the pie in the freezer until frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for 2-3 months. To serve, defrost it in the fridge overnight, then add the toppings the next day. 

Tips and Tricks

• You can make this recipe in a deep-dish pie plate if you do not have a tart pan.
• Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly. No one likes lumps in their filling!
• Brush the tart crust with an egg wash to create a barrier between the filling and the crust. This will prevent it from getting soggy.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds if you do not like pecans.
• Serve a slice of this apple tart with scoops of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream.

FAQs

More Apple Desserts

• Apple Crisp Pie
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
• Apple Crisp Cheesecake
• Apple Bread Pudding
• Classic Apple Pie

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*This post was first published in November 2015. The post was updated and then republished in November 2024.