Cakes

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

Ingredients:
1 - ½ cups (375 mL) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 whole crackers)
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) cinnamon, divided
3/4 cup (175 mL) sugar, divided
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted
1 - 14-ounce package caramels
2/3 cup (150 mL) evaporated milk
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped pecans, divided
2- 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp (30mL) all-purpose flour, divided
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½ cubes

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap with two layers of foil securely around the exterior of the pan.

In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon, 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar, and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of prepared pan. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, cook caramels and evaporated milk, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted, and mixture is smooth. Pour 1 cup of caramel mixture over cooled crust and sprinkle with 1/4 cup (50 mL) pecans. Keep remaining caramel mixture warm.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 tbsp flour, and remaining sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until smooth. Add eggs and beat on low speed just until combined. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour and cinnamon with apples. Fold apples into cream cheese mixture until combined. Pour mixture overtop of caramel crust.

Place springform pan into a large roasting pan. Add 1 inch of hot water to roasting pan to create a water bath. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until center is just set, spooning remaining caramel mixture over cheesecake, and sprinkling with remaining pecans after 40 minutes.

Remove pan from water bath and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen and cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove sides of pan, place on a serving plate and enjoy.

Makes 12 servings.

Nutrients per serving:
Calories 470
Carbohydrates 56 g
Protein 7 g
Fat 25 g
Sodium 330 mg
Fibre 1 g