Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping:
– 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Caramel Sauce:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Prepare the Crust:
   – Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   – In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
   – Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
   – Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   – In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   – Add sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
   – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   – Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
3. Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake:
   – Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
   – Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
   – Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
   – Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Prepare the Apple Topping:
   – In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   – Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   – Cook until the apples are tender and the mixture is caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
   – Let the mixture cool before topping the cheesecake.
5. Make the Caramel Sauce:
   – In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat.
   – Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
   – Carefully add the heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth.
   – Let the caramel sauce cool slightly.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
   – Once the cheesecake is fully set and chilled, top it with the caramelized apple mixture.
   – Drizzle generously with the caramel sauce.
7. Serve:
   – Slice the cheesecake and serve with extra caramel sauce drizzled over the top.

Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cheesecake!