Description
Indulgent caramel apple cheesecake promises a delightful symphony of creamy richness and sweet autumn flavors. Silky layers of tangy cream cheese mingle with spiced apples and golden caramel, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and celebration in each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Caramel Apple Topping:
- 4 medium apples (granny smith or honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky consistency.
- Gently fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the filling is uniform and velvety.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- For the caramel apple topping, peel and slice apples into thin, uniform wedges.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Sauté apple slices in the caramel mixture for 5-7 minutes until tender and glazed.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, arrange the caramelized apple slices on top in a decorative pattern.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apples, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set.
Notes
- Crust Perfection: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker mixture evenly, creating a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when slicing.
- Cheesecake Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat on low speed to prevent air bubbles, guaranteeing a silky, crack-free texture.
- Baking Technique: Place a water bath underneath the cheesecake to create gentle, even heat, preventing surface cracks and maintaining a creamy consistency.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg