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### For the Caramel Sauce:
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt([Food Network][7])
## Instructions
### Preparing the Apple Layer:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
### Preparing the Cheesecake Layer:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
4. Add the flour and mix until incorporated.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth.
7. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled apple mixture in a springform pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
### Preparing the Cake Layer:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Pour the cake batter over the cooled cheesecake layer in the springform pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
### Preparing the Caramel Sauce:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Allow the caramel sauce to cool to room temperature.
### Assembling the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake:
1. Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the springform pan.
2. Place the cake on a serving platter.
3. Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
4. Slice and serve.
## Tips for Success
* **Choosing the Right Apples:** Select apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to ensure they maintain texture in the dessert.
* **Preventing Cracks in the Cheesecake:** To minimize the risk of cracks, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath.([Allrecipes][8])
