Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the cheesecake
- 3 (8 ounces each) full fat cream cheese blocks, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 whole eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the topping
- 1 ½ cups chopped apple
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until the mixture resembles a sandy texture. Transfer the crumbs to the prepared pan and press firmly into the bottom. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool.
- Prepare cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, until creamy, about 4-5 minutes. Then beat in sour cream, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and flour until fully combined.
- Bake cheesecake: Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for about 4 hours, then refrigerate overnight to set completely.
- Make the topping: While cooling, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until apples are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Let the topping cool.
- Assemble and serve: Once chilled, spread the apple topping over the cheesecake. Slice and serve chilled, drizzling caramel sauce on top if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter and to avoid lumps.
- Press the crust firmly to ensure a solid base for the cheesecake.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake – it should still have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
- Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture, so plan ahead for best results.
- The apple topping can be made a day in advance and refrigerated; just bring to room temperature before serving if desired.
- Optional caramel drizzle adds extra sweetness and complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
