You are going to love this Caramel Apple Tart! It has a hidden layer of cheesecake under an apple, caramel, and pecan topping. This turtle pie is the perfect sweet treat for the holidays because it is so easy to make.
Apple desserts are my favorite for fall. Make sure to try this apple crisp cheesecake and this apple bread pudding too!
Looking for a new dessert to share at holiday parties this year? We have you covered with an apple 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 started with our apple pie cheesecake and jazzed it up with a rich turtle topping. Oh my goodness! The extra toppings gave it the most wonderful taste.
It's so easy to make too! All you need are some simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of time to make and put it in the oven. Once it cools, it can be topped in just a few minutes.
Why We Love this Apple Tart
This caramel apple tart is the perfect dessert to bring to your next holiday party because it is pretty AND delicious! And this recipe really is super easy to make, so you can make it in no time at all.
You can taste sweet caramel and apples in every bite, and the cheesecake layer adds an extra creamy texture that will have you coming back for more!
The chocolate and pecan layer adds a delicious turtle flair to this easy apple cheesecake pie. It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
If you are looking for apple desserts that will impress your guests this year, start by making this caramel apple cheesecake tart and watch their eyes light up after one bite.
Main Ingredients Needed
You will only need a few ingredients to make this easy caramel apple tart recipe. It tastes so good, you just might want to double the recipe.
- Pie Crust - A store bought pie crust or homemade pie crust works great in this easy tart.
- Cream Cheese - We like to use full fat cream cheese in our cheesecakes. Make sure to set it out ahead of time, so it can soften.
- Caramel Ice Cream Topping - You are going to use this in place of sugar to sweeten the cheesecake filling. You can use regular caramel or salted caramel.
- Apple Pie Filling - To save time I used one can of store bought pie filling for the topping in this tart. You can also use 1 ½ cups of this stovetop apple pie filling.
- Topping - Kraft caramel squares, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans give this caramel apple tart a delicious turtle flair.
How to make a Caramel Apple Tart
Make this easy caramel pecan apple pie with our easy step-by-step instructions. Your guests will be so impressed by your baking skills when they see this delicious turtle tart on the dessert table.
Pie Crust
- Unroll a refrigerated pie crust and place it in a 10 inch tart pan.
- Press edges into the sides of pan or crimp if desired.
- Refrigerate the pie crust until needed.
Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the softened cream cheese until light and creamy.
- Add caramel ice cream topping and mix again.
BRUCREW TIP: Use a salted caramel topping if you want a salted caramel apple tart.
Assemble and Bake
- Spread the cheesecake filling into the bottom of the pie crust.
- Spoon the apple pie filling gently on top of the cheesecake batter.
- Cover the edges of the pie crust and bake.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until completely chilled.
Decorate
- Unwrap the caramel candies and place in a small pan with the heavy cream.
- Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
- Remove and let cool 10 minutes.
- Spoon evenly over the top of the apple pie filling.
- Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave. Use 50% power, so you do not scorch or burn the chocolate as it melts.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel and top with chopped pecans.
Recipe Tips
- If you do not have a tart pan, you can also use a deep dish pie plate to make this recipe in.
- Don't like pecans? Feel free to switch them out for walnuts, almonds, or another nut that you do enjoy.
- Serve a slice of this apple tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and more caramel topping.
- Keep it simple and swirl some of this easy whipped cream recipe on top.
Storage Recommendations
Refrigerator - Store the uneaten pie in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After a few days, the caramel will start to get a little bit watery. The tart will still taste delicious though.
Freezer - Place the pie in the freezer until frozen. Wrap the frozen pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer safe bag or container. Keep the pie frozen for 2-3 months. To serve, defrost the pie in the fridge overnight.
FAQ's
Can this apple tart be made ahead of time?
Yes it can. This apple tart recipe is an easy one to prepare 1-2 days ahead of time. For best results, make the apple cheesecake layer and then refrigerate until the day you need it. Then add the caramel, chocolate, and pecan topping a few hours ahead of time.
How long does the apple cream cheese tart need to cool?
It will need about an hour after baking to cool on a wire rack, then another 2-3 hours in the fridge to chill completely.
More Awesome Holiday Pie Recipes
- Chocolate Coconut Pie
- Easy Cherry Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Apple Crisp Pie
- Cream Cheese Pecan Pie
- No Bake Chocolate Pie
- Traditional Pumpkin Pie
- Cookies and Cream Pie
- Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie
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Caramel Apple Tart Recipe
You are going to love this Caramel Apple Tart! It has a hidden layer of cheesecake under an apple, caramel, and pecan topping. This turtle pie is the perfect sweet treat for the holidays because it is so easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup caramel ice cream topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 - 26 ounce can apple pie filling
- 12 caramel squares
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon shortening
- ½ cup pecan chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Prepare the pie crust according to the package directions. Place in a 9-inch tart pan and crimp the edges.
- Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the caramel topping and mix again.
- Add the egg and beat just until mixed in. Spread in the bottom of the pie crust.
- Open the can of pie filling and cut the apples into smaller chunks, if desired. Spoon the pie filling gently onto the cheesecake batter.
- Cover the edges of the crust with foil or pie crust shields. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack for an hour, then place in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or until completely chilled.
- Place the unwrapped caramels and whipping cream in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until melted and creamy. Let cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle over the top of the cooled tart.
- Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat 30 seconds at a time. Stir and continue to heat until melted and creamy. Drizzle over the tart.
- Sprinkle the pecan chips on top. Let set before slicing.
Notes
- If you do not have a tart pan, you can also use a deep dish pie plate to make this recipe in.
- Don't like pecans? Feel free to switch them out for walnuts, almonds, or another nut that you do enjoy.
- Serve a slice of this apple tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and more caramel topping.
- Keep it simple and swirl some of this easy whipped cream recipe on top.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 484Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 276mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 2gSugar: 36gProtein: 5g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post for Apple Turtle Cheesecake Tart was first published November 2015. The post and photos were updated and republished November 2021.
Carole from Carole's Chatter
Jocelyn, this would be a super contribution to Food on Friday: Victorian or Afternoon Tea Party over at Carole's Chatter. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans everywhere!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
I might have to switch up my Thanksgiving dessert menu, this tart looks incredible!
Jessica @ Sweetest Menu
Right there, is everything I have ever wanted in a tart! Caramel, apple, nuts - heaven on a plate! Pinned!
Mir
Those baking fail days are really the worst. Curling up on the floor is much healthier than turning to the bottle! 🙂
Good news is, this pie looks amazing. Nothing but success here. I had no idea they made canned caramel apple pie filling!
Julianne @ beyondfrosting.com
I love everything about this dessert!!
Linda
I'm thankful for my job too. Isn't that nice to be able to do what you enjoy? I love this recipe. It is the perfect size and just the right amount of cheesecake (for me). I'm not a real cheesecake lover. I can't wait to make this! Thanks for sharing. I'd love it if you would share this at What'd You Do This Weekend tomorrow.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Maureen Blackburn
I was lucky enough to get to take some of this delicious tart home that Jocelyn made, and have already copied the recipe to make over the holidays for family. Soooo decadent.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
This looks crazy good. I have a pantry stocked with pie filling, and now I want to make this tonight!!!
Michelle @ My California Kitchen
Yay for a super husband! So cute. Sometimes you have to fail a few times to get amazing results like this one! Love that this came out of a pity party (I've been there...)
Roxana
Jocelyn, this looks amazing. So totally up my alley!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
This is to die for Jocelyn! Oh my goodness, I can't decide what I love first.