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 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream
**For the Apple Topping:**
– 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
**For the Caramel Sauce:**
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Preparation
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
– In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
– Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
– Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
2. **Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
– Add sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
3. **Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake:**
– Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
– Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
– Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. **Prepare the Apple Topping:**
– In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
– Cook until the apples are tender and the mixture is caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
– Let the mixture cool before topping the cheesecake.
5. **Make the Caramel Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat.
– Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
– Carefully add the heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth.
– Let the caramel sauce cool slightly.
6. **Assemble the Cheesecake:**
– Once the cheesecake is fully set and chilled, top it with the caramelized apple mixture.
– Drizzle generously with the caramel sauce.
7. **Serve:**
– Slice the cheesecake and serve with extra caramel sauce drizzled over the top.
Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cheesecake!