Caramel Apple Cheesecake

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

So yummy. I reserve this for extra-special occasions. Chills overnight.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 55 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans

Filling

• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 2 1/2 cups chopped peeled apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, divided
• sweetened whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Combine the first five ingredients; press onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes; cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined.
5. Stir in vanilla.
6. Pour over crust.
7. Toss apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon; spoon over filling.
8. Place cheesecake/pan in a large rectangular baking pan filled with 2 inches of hot water; place in 350 degree oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set.
9. Remove cheesecake from oven and water-filled pan and cool on a wire rack to 10 minutes.
10. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen.
11. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons caramel topping.
12. Cool for 1 hour.
13. Refrigerate overnight.
14. Remove sides of pan.
15. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream.
16. Drizzle with remaining caramel; sprinkle with pecans.
17. Store in refrigerator.

Reviews

[Chef #1159333]

What an incredible recipe! I have made this cheesecake several times and it is always a huge hit. I did "tweak" a couple things such as using 3 1/2 to 4 cups of Jonagold apples. I chop one cup up, toss the pieces in a little cinnamon, then add to the cream cheese mixture. Also, I squeeze a couple tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture while mixing. Fabulous!

[Kar's Kitchen]

I don't know what I could have done wrong here, but it was NOT good. It was mushy, too wet, flavorless (even though I added lemon zest). Maybe the cottage cheese I used had too much liquid, but I doubled this recipe to make 2 cheesecakes, take one to work and ended up throwing them both out. What a waste of time and money. Very disappointing.

[968750]

OMG!!! This was totally delish!!!! I made it for Thanksgiving and my mom wants me to bring it back for Christmas. Was disappointed that it cracked, but I think I will let it cool a little longer this time before removing the springform. This is one for the books!!!