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1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by making the graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well coated, and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently pack it down. Place the pan in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is incorporated. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until the eggs are combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.3. Bake the Cheesecake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center still slightly jiggles when you tap the pan. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking. After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.4. Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping
While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the caramel apple topping. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to brown. Add the brown sugar to the skillet, and stir to combine. Let the apples cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes syrupy. Carefully pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The caramel sauce should be rich and golden. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the caramel apple topping cool for a few minutes.5. Assemble the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake has chilled and the caramel apple topping has cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble! Pour the caramel apple mixture over the top of the cheesecake, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the store-bought caramel sauce over the apples for an extra indulgent touch.6. Chill and Serve
Place the cheesecake back into the fridge for another 30 minutes to allow the topping to set before serving. Once ready, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve! You can garnish the top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flair.Tips for Perfect Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will prevent lumps and ensure the batter is smooth.
- Prevent Cracking: To prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking, avoid overmixing the batter. Also, cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven after baking (with the oven door slightly ajar) helps maintain its structure.
- Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade caramel adds an extra layer of flavor. If you want to make it from scratch, cook 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of butter together over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith apples are tart and balance the sweetness of the caramel, Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and provide a delightful crunch. Feel free to mix and match apples based on your personal preference.
- Top with More Caramel: For even more indulgence, you can drizzle more caramel sauce on individual slices just before serving.
