Caramelized Apple Walnut Cheesecake

Welcome to autumn’s most beloved dessert, where creamy cheesecake meets sweet caramelized apples and crunchy walnuts. This show-stopping dessert combines the richness of cream cheese with the warmth of seasonal spices and the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures
• Made with fresh seasonal apples
• Impressive presentation for special occasions
• Can be prepared ahead of time
• Simple ingredients transformed into an elegant dessert

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Apple Topping

• 3 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Fold in flour until just combined.
5. Pour filling into cooled crust.
6. Bake for 60-70 minutes until edges are set but center still has a slight jiggle.
7. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Apple Topping

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add apple slices and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and caramelized.
4. Let cool to room temperature.

Assembly

1. Arrange caramelized apple slices on top of the chilled cheesecake.
2. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
3. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce from the pan.

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest cheesecake filling
• Don’t overbeat the batter after adding eggs to prevent cracks
• Choose firm apples that hold their shape when cooked
• Toast walnuts before chopping to enhance their flavor
• Allow cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent cracking

Storage Instructions

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cheesecake can be frozen without the topping for up to 2 months.

Recipe Notes

All ingredients used in this recipe are halal-friendly. However, feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your dietary preferences and needs.