Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Just the name of this sends my taste buds into an uproar! Cheesecake is so heavenly, it should be a sin. Caramel apples, yes! One of my favorites whenever I go to the fair. Putting them together? I did not give it a thought until today! So be prepared, I am about to knock your socks off! This phenomenal piece of work combines caramel, apple crisp and cheesecake and makes you realize that you have been missing something all your life.

Come along on this journey and let me teach you what your taste buds NEED!  Apple crisp, this makes me think of cool autumn days and evenings by the fire pit. It is such an honest and wholesome dessert! Now to add cheesecake, that one dessert that causes weight watchers so much grief. Please, just tell yourself if it has apples, and graham crackers, it must be good for you. It is, at least you can tell yourself so.

Come fall, we all look for new foods and desserts to make us feel comfortable and happy. This is a decadent dessert that puts fall on your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you stop a cheesecake from cracking?

The cream cheese needs to be at room temp. It is too difficult to mix cold cream cheese and have it lump free.

When baking, you can also use a steam bath of sorts. Place a tin of water below the shelf where the cheesecake is. This creates extra moisture to help prevent cracking.

Avoid opening the door as the cheesecake bakes.

What apple is the best to use for this recipe?

I prefer to use the Gala apple. These are a little sweeter and because it is my favorite.   

What ingredients do you need Caramel Apple Cheesecake:

Crust:

1 cup of crushed finely, graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup brown sugar

¾ cup of rolled oats

½ cup melted butter

Filling:

16 ounces softened cream cheese

2 tbsp cornstarch

 ½ tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

⅛ tsp lemon juice

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup white sugar

Apple Crisp Topping:

¼ cup all purpose flour

2 medium apples, peeled and sliced very thin

¼ cup rolled oats

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp coconut oil

Caramel Sauce topping if desired

How to make Caramel Apple Cheesecake:

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

In one mixing bowl combine the melted butter, brown sugar, rolled oats and graham cracker crumbs.

SECOND STEP:

Press on the bottom of a 9 inch Springform pan.

Bake for 5 minutes

THIRD STEP:

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

In a second bowl, combine the cream cheese, both the brown and white sugar, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract and cornstarch.

FOURTH STEP:

When well combined, pour on top of the graham cracker crust.

Place some of the thinly sliced apple on top of the cheesecake in a single layer

FIFTH STEP:

Top with the Apple Crisp Topping mix

a)

b)

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes

SIXTH STEP:

Set aside and cool for 15 minutes

Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve with Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!