## Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake – A Delectable Delicacy!
Indulge in the cozy comfort of fall with this Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake that pairs the silken richness of cheesecake and the sweet warmth of caramelized apples. It’s the perfect dessert for a family gathering or a well-deserved personal treat!
🕒 Servings: 10-12 slices
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Baking Time: 1 hour
🕒 Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
## How to Make Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake
### Ingredients
#### For the Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
#### For the Cheesecake:
– 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream
#### For the Caramel Apple Topping:
– 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
### Directions
1. Start by preparing the crust. Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
2. For cheesecake, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl till it smoothens. Add the sugar and vanilla and mix. Add eggs one by one, ensuring a good mix after each. Fold in the sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture over the crust.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or till the center is a bit firm. Turn off the oven, let cool with the door slightly open for an hour. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
4. For the topping, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté till the apples are tender and caramelized. Cool it slightly.
5. When cooled, spread the caramelized apples over the chilled cheesecake and drizzle the caramel sauce. Your delectable cheesecake is now ready to serve.
## How to Serve Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Serve each slice of cheesecake chilled. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added delight.
## How to Store Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It will stay good for about 1 week.
## Tips to Make Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake
– Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in blending them easily.
– Always pre-bake the crust before adding the filling to prevent it from getting soggy.
– Let the cheesecake cool down in the oven with the door slightly open. This prevents the top from cracking.
– Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before serving to enhance its flavor.
## Variation
You can switch the caramel apple topping with any of your favorite fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use a store-bought crust?**
Yes, you can use a store-bought crust to save time.
2. **Can I use low-fat cream cheese?**
Yes, low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can be used, though it might alter the cheesecake’s rich texture slightly.
3. **Why did my cheesecake crack?**
Cheesecakes often crack because of sudden temperature changes. Let it cool slowly in the oven to prevent this.
Enjoy the perfect warmth of this magnificent caramel apple cheesecake in any autumn day. Happy baking!