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Creamy Ricotta Cheese Recipe

4.6 from 126 reviews

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake blends the tartness of thinly sliced apples with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with luscious caramel sauce, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for festive occasions or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar

For the Apple Filling:

  • 3 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Cheesecake:

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full integration. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Pour the cheesecake batter gently over the apple layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even top.
  5. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the assembled cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  6. Cool and Serve: After the oven resting, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set. Just before serving, drizzle the cheesecake generously with caramel sauce to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain some texture in the filling.
  • Be sure to soften the cream cheese to avoid lumps in your cheesecake batter.
  • Leaving the oven door slightly open after baking helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
  • For a homemade caramel sauce, gently melt sugar and butter with cream for a rich topping.

Keywords: Caramel, Apple, Cheesecake, Dessert, Autumn, Holiday, Cream Cheese, Baked cheesecake, Sweet dessert