Apple-of-Your-Eye Cheesecake

Name: Apple-of-Your-Eye Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 16 squares); 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup butter, melted; FILLING:; 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 3 eggs, lightly beaten; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; TOPPING:; 2-1/2 cups chopped peeled apples; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, divided; Sweetened whipped cream; 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

My most-often-requested dessert, this exquisite cheesecake with apples, caramel and pecans wins me more compliments than anything else I make. My husband's co-workers say it's too pretty to cut...but agree it's well worth it to do so. -Debbie Wilson, Sellersburg, Indiana

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 16 squares)
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
2-1/2 cups chopped peeled apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, divided
Sweetened whipped cream
2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the crackers, sugar, pecans and cinnamon; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Place pan on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Pour over crust. Toss apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon; spoon over filling. Return pan to baking sheet.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons caramel topping. Cool for 1 hour. Chill overnight.
Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream. Drizzle with remaining caramel; sprinkle with pecans. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 282 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Originally published as Apple-of-Your-Eye Cheesecake in Taste of Home February/March 2000

Reviews

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Average Rating:

nanagreen

Nov 2, 2016

I've made many, many cheesecakes for my grown kids and their families, but they claim this is the best one ever, ever! I must admit it's amazingly yummy and I will make it again, and again.
Brenda MH

Nov 26, 2015

I'm not a huge cheesecake fan, but this one is superb. An absolutely lovely dessert.
HSArnot

Sep 30, 2015

Delicious!
Raederle

Apr 18, 2014

This is one of the best cheesecakes I've ever eaten! I love the apple topping, and the fact that it is not too rich or sweet. This is definitely tops!
evanblove

Mar 12, 2014

This receipe started our love of making cheesecakes. I won a baking contest at church with this recipe. It was fun watching the judges asking for seconds!
TWeddle

Dec 30, 2012

Another keeper! I make this recipe for many occasions, my son asks for this in lieu of a traditional birthday cake. Additionally, I will have to say, when I make this for our church action every fall it brings in the highest bid almost every year!
terik82

Oct 7, 2012

AWESOME!!!!
bluetigereyes2

Jan 20, 2012

This is one of the best and easiest cheesecake recipes. I make this when I need to take an impressive dessert to a get together. Its always a hit
Ruby Irene

Nov 3, 2011

Apple and Caramel pair together beautifully.
cleaninggirl4u

Oct 21, 2011

One of my favorite cheesecake recipes! the pecan crust is especially good!