Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Here’s a luxurious caramel apple cheesecake recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.
4. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.

Prepare the Apple Topping:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Cook the apples until they are tender and the sugar has dissolved, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Arrange the cooked apples over the cheesecake filling.

Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set (it should still jiggle slightly).
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for about an hour.
3. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until it melts into a thick, amber-colored liquid.
2. Add the butter, one piece at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted.
3. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
4. Allow the mixture to boil for about 1 minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before drizzling over the chilled cheesecake.

Serve:

1. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the cheesecake.
3. Slice and enjoy!

This luxurious caramel apple cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or any time you want a decadent dessert. Enjoy!