Caramel apple cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavors of caramel apples. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious 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 Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to help even it out.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, apple sauce, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for about an hour.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to boil without stirring. Continue cooking until it turns a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even caramelization. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the caramelized sugar from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Serve:
- Slice and serve your caramel apple cheesecake. Optionally, you can garnish each slice with whipped cream, additional caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
This caramel apple cheesecake is a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in a delightful dessert. The combination of creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and rich caramel sauce is sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy!