Apple-of-Your-Eye Cheesecake

Say “I love you” with this sweet Valentine’s Day recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
• Filling
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Topping
• 2-1/2 cups chopped peeled apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, divided
• Sweetened whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

How to make it   1 hour, 15 minutes

• 1

  Combine the first five ingredients; press onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes; cool.
• 2

  In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Pour over crust. Toss apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon; spoon over filling. Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
• 3

  Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons caramel topping. Cool for 1 hour. Chill overnight. Remove sides of pan. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream. Drizzle with remaining caramel; sprinkle with pecans. Store in refrigerator.