Caramel Apple Cheesecake

I love apples and applesauce but when it comes to putting apples on or in things, such as pie, lets just say I don't exactly like it. Seeing that it is apple season, I bought a bag full. I am very picky when it comes to my apples, I will only eat Gala apples..... oh so sweet and crisp! If you get this apple make sure you pick them right, the redder the better, just remember that saying and you'll do fine. As the apples sat in my fridge for a few days, I tried to think of something I could make with some of them. I didn't think I would ever be brave enough to try an apple cheesecake, let alone bake one. It just doesn't sound very appetizing to me but you never know unless you try it.

This is what I got:

I can honestly say I NEVER care to eat another kind of cheesecake again!!

Crust:

• 2 c. Flour
• 1/2 c. Brown Sugar
• 1 c. Butter, softened

Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased 9x13 glass baking dish, make sure to press it.


Cheesecake:

• 2 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 c. Sugar
• 1 tsp. Vanilla

Beat or whisk these ingredients until thick and fluffy. Pour on top of your crust.


Apples:

• 4 Apples, peeled and diced/chopped
• 1/2 tbsp. Cinnamon
• 1/8 c. Sugar
• 1/8 c. Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp. Butter
• 1/2 c. Water
• 1/4 c. Cold Water + 1 tsp. Cornstarch

Once you have peeled and diced/chopped your apples to your liking of size add them to a pot.

Add your cinnamon, sugars, butter, and 1/2 c. water to your pot and cook on medium heat for 4 minutes. At this time, in a separate cup add your
 cornstarch to your 1/4 c. cold water and once
blended pour into your pot. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes. Apples should be tender. If you have remaining juice, just drain it, the spices have already cooked into your apples. Pour on top of your cheesecake.





Streusel Topping:

• 1 c. Flour
• 1/2 c. Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/2 c. Butter, softened
• 1/2 c. Sugar

In a medium bowl, blend all ingredients using a fork. Spread evenly over your apples.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.


Once your cheesecake is out and cooling make your caramel drizzle.

Caramel:

• 5 1/2 oz. Caramel bits (find them on the baking aisle)
• 1 tbsp. Water

Place caramel bits and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Cook another 1o seconds, or until melted.
Drizzle over the top and serve!

Heaven in your mouth!

Crust Layer         Cheesecake Layer         Apple Layer         Streusel Layer        Caramel Drizzle