Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Submitted by: June Shockley
The perfect fall treat. This looks more complicated than it is.  Just take it one step at a time.  Enjoy
Note:  Read the whole recipe and instructions.  You will need softened cream cheese and the apples may take a couple of minutes to peel and slice.  I just made this and I think next time I will make up each of the 4 layers before I put the crust in the oven.  That way I will have them ready when it is time to assemble the 4 parts.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake 

(Note: The crust has to bake for 15 minutes so try to calculate your prep time for the other layers. After you make the cheesecake you may want to drizzle them with a commercial caramel topping. I like Sander's Caramel Topping, found by the ice cream toppings.)

Step 1:Crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Ingredients for crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
Directions for Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter  until mixture is crumbly. Line a 9 or10 inch spring form pan on the outside with aluminum foil and place the spring form pan on a jelly roll pan for support. Lightly butter the sides and bottom of the spring form pan to help insure easy removal.  Press crust misture evenly into  9 or 10 inch spring form pan. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

While crust is baking make cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Cheesecake filling
Ingredients for filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar, (plus 2 tablespoons, for later)
3 large eggs (preferably room temperature)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions for cheesecake filling:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, add vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.

Step 3: Apple filling
Ingredients for apple layer:
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions for apple filling:
In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. 

Step 4 Streusel topping:
Ingredients for streusel topping:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
Directions for streusel topping:
Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oats. Cut in butter until all is crumbly.
Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set.

Drizzle with caramel topping and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve cold and enjoy!