Description
Classic caramel apple cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with rich, creamy layers of sweet indulgence. Smooth cream cheese and caramel-glazed apples create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and create a rustic base by mixing graham cracker crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then firmly press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gradually incorporating vanilla, eggs, sour cream, and flour, ensuring each ingredient is fully integrated before adding the next.
- Gently transfer the creamy cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to create a uniform surface.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a set center with a slight wobble, indicating perfect consistency.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth texture.
- Meanwhile, caramelize chopped apples in butter, introducing brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, cooking until the fruit becomes tender and golden-brown.
- Once the apples have cooled slightly and the cheesecake has reached room temperature, artfully arrange the spiced apple mixture across the top of the dessert.
- Just before serving, drizzle a generous stream of rich caramel sauce over the apple-topped cheesecake, creating an enticing finish.
Notes
- Crust Tip: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker mixture evenly and firmly into the pan for a compact, stable base.
- Temperature Precision: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free batter and consistent texture.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and slight acidity that cuts through the rich cheesecake.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cheesecake a day in advance and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor development and achieve better slice definition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 101
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 34 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg