Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust:

1 cup of crushed finely, graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup brown sugar

¾ cup of rolled oats

½ cup melted butter

Filling:

16 ounces softened cream cheese

2 tbsp cornstarch

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

⅛ tsp lemon juice

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup white sugar

Apple Crisp Topping:

¼ cup all purpose flour

2 medium apples, peeled and sliced very thin

¼ cup rolled oats

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp coconut oil

Caramel Sauce topping if desired

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350*

In one mixing bowl combine the melted butter, brown sugar, rolled oats and graham cracker crumbs.

Step 2:

Press on the bottom of a 9 inch Springform pan.

Bake for 5 minutes

Step 3:

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

In a second bowl, combine the cream cheese, both the brown and white sugar, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract and cornstarch.

Step 4:

When well combined, pour on top of the graham cracker crust.

Place some of the thinly sliced apple on top of the cheesecake in a single layer

Step 5:

Top with the Apple Crisp Topping mix

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes

Step 6:

Set aside and cool for 15 minutes

Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve with Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the topping?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to drizzle over the cheesecake as a topping. It can add extra sweetness and flavor.

Alternatively, you can make your own caramel sauce at home if you prefer.

Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using thinly sliced apples for the topping, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries to create different flavor variations.

Do I have to refrigerate the cheesecake overnight?

Chilling the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight allows it to set properly and develop flavors.

However, if you’re short on time, you can chill it for at least a few hours before serving, but keep in mind that the texture and flavors might be slightly different.

Can I make this cheesecake in advance for a special occasion?

Yes, this cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

You can prepare it a day before and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

This can save you time on the day of the event.

What can I substitute for coconut oil in the Apple Crisp Topping?

If you don’t have coconut oil or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted butter.

The topping might have a slightly different flavor, but it should still work well in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of crust for this cheesecake?

Yes, you can experiment with different crust options.

While the recipe calls for a graham cracker, oat, and brown sugar crust, you can try using crushed cookies (like gingersnaps or vanilla wafers) or even a traditional pastry crust.

Is it necessary to use both brown and white sugar in the cream cheese filling?

Yes, using both types of sugar adds a balanced sweetness and flavor to the cream cheese filling.

The brown sugar brings a hint of caramel-like flavor, while the white sugar ensures a smooth texture.

Can I make the Apple Crisp Topping gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats and ensure that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I skip the overnight refrigeration step?

While the overnight refrigeration helps the flavors meld and the cheesecake to set properly, you can also chill the cheesecake for several hours (at least 4-6 hours) before serving.

However, the longer chilling time can lead to better results in terms of texture and taste.