Name: No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Crust:; 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Cheesecake Filling:; 1/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream; 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Caramel Apples:; 1/2 cup chopped, peeled baking apples (such as Gala, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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This No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake is the ultimate way to enjoy all the flavors of a caramel apple—without the sticky mess. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and cinnamon-simmered caramel apples layered on top, it’s a cozy and elegant dessert for two that doesn’t require an oven.

No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking needed: Perfect for warm days or busy kitchens.
Better than a caramel apple: All the same sweet flavors in a creamy, spoonable dessert.
Made without Cool Whip: Real whipped cream makes for a richer, more natural taste.
Perfect for small batches: Makes just enough for two.
Simple yet impressive: Each layer adds texture and flavor without adding stress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter
Heavy whipping cream (cold)
Full-fat cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Baking apples (Gala, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold), chopped and peeled
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Lemon juice
Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Directions

Cook the apples: In a saucepan, combine chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Stir in the caramel sauce and let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of two small glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate while you make the filling.
Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 2–3 minutes). Transfer to another bowl and refrigerate.
Make the cheesecake base: In the same mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined with no white streaks remaining.
Assemble: Spoon a layer of cheesecake filling over each prepared crust. Add a spoonful of cooled caramel apple topping. Repeat the layers, finishing with apples on top.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the assembled cheesecakes for at least 4 hours to allow them to set.
Serve: Keep chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy straight from the glass or ramekin.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Crumble topping: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon oat crumble on top for extra texture.
Nutty crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples or sprinkle on top.
Spiced apple: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more festive fall flavor.
Mini pie jars: Layer the dessert in mini mason jars for portable, picnic-ready treats.
Gingersnap crust: Replace graham crumbs with crushed gingersnaps for a spicier base.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To freeze: You can freeze the assembled cheesecakes for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To reheat: Not necessary—this dessert is meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly. Just make sure it’s thick and rich, not too watery.

What’s the best apple to use?

Gala, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold are ideal for their sweet flavor and soft texture when cooked.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dessert is best when made a day ahead, allowing it to chill and set overnight.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients and assemble in four ramekins or one larger dish.

Do I need an electric mixer?

A mixer makes it faster and easier, but you can whisk by hand—just make sure to beat well for smoothness and volume.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes! Try crushed cookies, digestive biscuits, or a nut-based crust for a twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based whipping cream, and vegan butter substitutes for a dairy-free version.

What if I don’t have ramekins?

Use any small dessert cups, drinking glasses, or even mason jars.

Can I serve it warm?

This cheesecake is best served cold. Heating may cause it to lose structure and become too soft.

Conclusion

No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake is the perfect solution for when you want something sweet, seasonal, and satisfying—without turning on the oven. With layers of buttery crust, silky cream cheese, and tender caramel apples, this small-batch dessert delivers big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for date night or a cozy fall gathering, it’s sure to impress.