Description
Caramel apple cheesecake brings classic autumn flavors into a creamy dessert masterpiece. Warm spices and rich caramel complement smooth cream cheese, creating a delightful treat you’ll savor until the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers)
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, ensuring no lumps remain. Integrate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is uniform and silky.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and allow the cheesecake to rest for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Meanwhile, craft the caramelized apple topping by sautéing sliced apples in butter over medium heat. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, cooking until the apples become tender and golden, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Create the caramel sauce by carefully melting sugar until it transforms to a rich amber color. Introduce butter, whisking continuously. Slowly stream in heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth. Add a pinch of salt for depth of flavor.
- After the cheesecake has completely cooled and chilled for 4 hours, artfully arrange the caramelized apple slices across the surface. Generously drizzle with homemade caramel sauce.
- For an optional elegant touch, garnish with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with toasted chopped nuts just before serving.
Notes
- Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in the caramel apple topping.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the batter.
- Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle baking and prevent surface cracks.
- Modify for gluten-free diets by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 51 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg