Gourmet Caramel Apple Cheesecake Extravaganza – Fall’s Perfect Sweet Escape!

Gourmet Caramel Apple Cheesecake Extravaganza – Fall’s Perfect Sweet Escape!

Summary: Fall is the season for cozy flavors and warm treats, and there’s nothing more comforting than a slice of creamy, decadent cheesecake topped with the ultimate autumn indulgence: caramelized apples. The Gourmet Caramel Apple Cheesecake Extravaganza is the perfect way to showcase the flavors of the season, blending the richness of a classic cheesecake with the sweet, tangy bite of caramel apples and the buttery goodness of a graham cracker crust. This luxurious dessert is sure to impress at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive holiday parties.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Calories: 450 per slice

Courses: Dessert
Cuisines: American, Fall Dessert

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cheesecake filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the caramel apple topping:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For garnish (optional):

• Crushed pecans or walnuts
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Equipment:

• 9-inch springform pan
• Food processor (for crust)
• Mixer (handheld or stand)
• Saucepan (for caramel apples)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cheesecake releases easily.