Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Is there anything more quintessential to Autumn than caramel apple??  Forget the pumpkin - make this cheesecake instead!  It combines all the greatness of cheesecake and apple crisp all into one.  Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Crust:

1 and 1/4 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs

1/4 Cup White Sugar

1/3 Cup Butter

Cheesecake:

3 Bricks Cream Cheese (24 oz total)

3 Eggs

1 Cup Sugar

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

1 Can Apple Pie Filling

Crispy Topping:

1/4 Cup Oatmeal

1/4 Flour

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup Butter

1 Jar Prepared Caramel

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: In a medium sized, heat proof bowl - melt the butter in the microwave.  Once melted, add the sugar and graham cracker crumbs.  Press into Cheesecake pan and set aside.

Step 3:  In a clean mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed until well combined.  Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition until combined.  Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.

Step 4:    Bake in oven for 50-55 minutes, or until center is almost set.  Do not turn off oven.

Step 5:   Let cool slightly, about 30 minutes.  

Step 6:  While the cheesecake is cooling, create the crispy crumb filling  by combing the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and butter in a bowl.  Mix with fork until combined and crumbly.

Step 7:  After the cheesecake has cooled slightly (step 5), top with the prepared apple pie filling.  Top the apple pie filling with the crispy crumb mixture and then return the cheesecake to the oven for about 15 minutes.

Step 8:  Remove from oven.  Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it;  cool completely before removing the rim.  Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

Step 9:  To serve, remove the rim.  Slice into pieces and drizzle with caramel topping to serve.