Baked Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake is a delicious dessert that combines a creamy cheesecake filling with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet, tender apples. This cheesecake is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a comforting and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)

Timing

Making Baked Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 60-70 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
2. Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes and then remove from the oven to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Finally, add the sour cream and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Prepare the Apple Topping

1. Toss Apples: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly coated.
2. Arrange Apples: Layer the apple mixture on top of the cheesecake filling.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm, and the top may have a slight golden color.
2. Cool: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 1 hour to cool gradually. Then remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set fully.
2. Serve: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Baked Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	5g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g

Tips for Customization

• Use Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for varying sweetness and tartness.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple topping for added texture.
• Spice Variations: Add nutmeg or allspice to the apple topping for a more complex flavor profile.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon. This cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy this delightful recipe!