Decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake

🍏🍰 Decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake 🍮🍎

Creamy, dreamy cheesecake layered with caramel, apples, and rich goodness in every bite! 🍯✨

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

* 1/4 cup granulated sugar

* 1/2 cup melted butter

* 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

* 1 cup granulated sugar

* 3 large eggs

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

* 1/2 cup sour cream

* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

* 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

* 2 tbsp brown sugar

* 1 tbsp butter

* 1/2 tsp cinnamon

* 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

* 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese or sweet cream topping

* Optional: toasted coconut, crumble topping, extra diced apples

Instructions:

1. **Preheat oven** to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

2. **Make crust**: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.

3. **Cook apples**: In a skillet, sauté diced apples in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for 5–7 minutes until soft. Cool slightly.

4. **Prepare filling**: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla, sour cream, and cinnamon.

5. **Assemble**: Pour half the cheesecake batter into crust. Add a layer of caramel and sautéed apples. Top with remaining batter.

6. **Bake**: Place pan in a water bath and bake for 55–65 minutes until center is just set. Turn oven off, crack door, and cool for 1 hour.

7. **Chill**: Refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours or overnight.

8. **Top it off**: Spread a layer of sweet cream cheese or whipped topping, then drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

9. **Garnish**: Sprinkle with toasted coconut, crumbled cookie topping, and fresh apple chunks if desired.

Pro Tip:

For extra indulgence, add a layer of melted chocolate under the caramel or sprinkle sea salt on top to balance the sweetness! 🍫🧂