Autumn Cheesecake

A yummy apple cheesecake that's perfect for the fall!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ready in: 4 hours
Yields: 12 servings

Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2(8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch springfoam pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla; pour filling into the baked crust.

3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples to coat. Spoon the apple mixture over cream cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. With a knife, loosen cake from rim. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill cake before serving.