Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with Caramel Apple Cheesecake, a luscious combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced tender apples, and rich homemade caramel sauce atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday tables or cozy gatherings, this showstopping treat captures all the best flavors of autumn!
Ingredients
For the crust:
Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter, melted
Granulated sugar
For the cheesecake layer:
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Eggs
For the apple topping:
Medium apples, peeled and sliced
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
For the caramel sauce:
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
For decoration (optional):
Whipped cream
Extra caramel sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the pan and set aside.
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Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
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Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
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Bake for 60 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven and let cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
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Prepare the apple topping: In a skillet, melt butter, add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until tender. Cool.
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Make the caramel sauce: Melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden. Add butter, then heavy cream, stirring carefully. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
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Assemble: After cheesecake has cooled, top with apple mixture and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
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Chill at least 2 hours until fully set. Garnish with whipped cream and extra caramel before serving if desired.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple topping for crunch.
Mix pumpkin puree into the filling for a fall twist.
Swap graham cracker crust for crushed gingersnaps for extra spice.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce for even more decadence.
Use a blend of tart and sweet apples for best flavor balance.
