Caramel Apple Cheesecake

### For the Cheesecake Filling

* 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ cup sour cream
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour([the-girl-who-ate-everything.com][1], [notquitenigella.com][2])

### For the Caramel Apple Topping

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract([foodnetwork.com][3])

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## Preparation Steps

### 1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
3. Add the melted butter to the crumb mixture and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

### 2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sour cream, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
6. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
7. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
9. After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set properly.([crazyforcrust.com][4])

### 3. Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced apples to the pan and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Continue to cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sugar has dissolved.
5. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the pan, stirring to combine.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Remove the pan from heat and let the caramel apple topping cool to room temperature.

### 4. Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Once the cheesecake has chilled and the caramel apple topping has cooled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
2. Spoon the caramel apple topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
3. Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve immediately.

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## Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure that the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and lump-free filling.
* **Prevent Cracks**: To prevent cracks in the cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a moderate temperature.
* **Water Bath**: Consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath (placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water) to promote even cooking and prevent cracking.
* \*\*Chill Thoroughly

[1]: https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (+VIDEO) – The Girl Who Ate Everything”
[2]: https://www.notquitenigella.com/2009/01/12/caramel-apple-cheesecake/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Recipe Caramel Apple Cheesecake”
[3]: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/caramel-apple-cheesecake-recipe-1953859?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe | Bobby Flay | Food Network”
[4]: https://www.crazyforcrust.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake//?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe – Crazy for Crust”