I get a little crazy sometimes. Don’t we all?
Case in point: my grocery store sells packaged caramel apples from late September through Halloween. They’re delicious. They’re covered in peanuts and I buy two packages a week. It’s so major in my household that my kids get way too excited on my behalf when they see them.
![Caramel Apple Cheesecake](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/capcheese4-e1415706014252.jpg)
But as soon as the end of October hits, my supply abruptly dries up. The first year that happened, I actually called the company. It was a pretty embarrassing conversation. They told me that they don’t make the caramel apples after Halloween, and I actually begged them to make an exception for me. I offered to pay them more. They very politely refused. And I hung up, realizing I just had one of those crazy lady moments.
![Caramel Apple Cheesecake](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/capcheese1-e1415705871147.jpg)
When something like that happens, the only feasible solution is to make a cheesecake. Cheesecake is always insane, so you can just be in that crazy place with your dessert. It’s ideal.
This one is a new favorite. It’s easy and the caramel apple topping is to die for. Plus, the cheesecake base itself is skinny. I usually make a skinny base because, let’s face it: even a skinny cheesecake is a decadent splurge.
![Caramel Apple Cheesecake](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/capcheese5-e1415706066157.jpg)
The caramel topping goes on in the last part of the cheesecake baking, and it’s made primarily out of apple pie filling. There’s also a brown sugar drizzle on top that creates a lovely caramelized finish.
![Caramel Apple Cheesecake](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/capcheese3-e1415705963210.jpg)
You might want to be careful, though. During one of those crazy moments we all have, you might eat way too much of this cheesecake. So I shared quickly with all my friends. I just wish I could send some to the caramel apple people. I’d feel better about myself if they could just see that I’m not always a maniac.
Ingredients
Crust
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
Cheesecake
3 packages (24 oz.) low-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
Topping
21-oz. can apple pie filling
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a spring form pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs until the crumbs are moistened. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until creamy. Add the yogurt and vanilla and beat again. Finally, add the eggs and beat until just incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and bake for 50 minutes. Do not open the oven door while baking.
- Make the topping. Melt the dark brown sugar with the tablespoon of butter until the mixture is smooth and liquidy.
- Pull the cheesecake rack out from the oven. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the cheesecake, starting in the middle and working outward.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the apple pie filling and then, working carefully to not burn yourself, drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the cinnamon.
- Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- When the cheesecake is done, turn the oven off and crack the door for about 15 minutes before removing the cheesecake to cool. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
- Chill overnight before serving.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake/
![](//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png)
I love buying caramel apples, too! It’s something that I look forward to every fall. But this cheesecake looks even better! The topping looks incredible, especially with that brown sugar topping. Such a perfect dessert for the fall!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Stuffed Pizza Rolls
I’m so sad that caramel apple buying season is over, Gayle! I have to go all the way to the beach to find one at a fudge shop. But this cheesecake definitely helps!
This cheesecake looks amazing! That topping looks so good. And I love that it’s skinny, cheesecake is such a decadent treat anyways!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirled Brownies
Yep, but the skinny doesn’t even taste like it! So it’s a worthwhile adjustment. Thanks, Stacey!
Looks great Mir! I have never tried low fat cream cheese, can you believe that? I go all out while making my desserts..haha..but I think it’s a good idea to use low cal ingredients for something like a cheesecake..they are way too rich in calories anyway!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Bhindi Kadhi
I usually indulge too, but cheesecake is loaded. And I’m a big fan of low-fat (but NOT fat free) cream cheese. It’s very close to the real thing. Thanks, Manali!
winter is coming… must.make.apple.cheesecake.to.convince.myself.otherwise haha
This looks absolutely divine! 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Nicole @ Waterloo, with Love recently posted…Tofu & Soba Noodles
You are so right, Nicole. I’m not a winter fan either! Thanks so much!
This cheesecake looks amazing. I love the whole combination of cheesecake and apples and caramel, of course 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Shannon @ Bake.Frost.Repeat recently posted…Biscoff Banana Bread
Thanks so much, Shannon! I can’t resist anything with caramel. It’s better to just put it on everything and stop fighting!
Can I just say, I love you. Apples. Caramel. We share the same brain my friend!!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted…Caramel Apple Sugar Cookie Pizza
The love is so mutual, Aimee! I love kindred spirits, and you are definitely one of them!
We can still be friends if I tell you I don’t like caramel apples, right? I have the hardest time eating them, but I love sliced apples and caramel! This cheesecake is something that I could go crazy for though. Looks perfect, Mir!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Heather @ Shards of Lavender recently posted…Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Okay, fine. Sigh. 🙂
You’re silly. Of course we’re still friends! Hey, more caramel apples for me!
I’ve been craving cheesecake, but did not think of the caramel apple combo! This looks amazing and I would like a slice right now 🙂 And I’m sure I won’t stop with just one slice ! Looks perfect! Pinned!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Mira recently posted…Bison Burger With Blue Cheese
Thanks for the pin, Mira! I had to freeze the rest to stop myself from eating way too much of it. I love my freezer!
Wait, food withdrawals are crazy? Doesn’t everyone have those??![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
This is definitely on equal ground with those caramel apples. Just look at all that caramel … I die 🙂
Mary Frances recently posted…{Vegan} Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats with The Works
I hope you’re right, Mary Frances! I felt really dumb harassing the caramel apple people. But they should sell them for longer!
You just used my two favorite words together – caramel apple. I’m in! This cheesecake looks sooo good!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Trish – Mom On Timeout recently posted…Slow Cooker Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast
Thanks, Trish! I love those two words, too!
That is hilarious, Mir! I’m so sorry they didn’t take you up on your offer! This caramel apple cheesecake sounds so much better than a caramel apple though! And it looks so good too!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Isadora @ she likes food recently posted…Roasted Beet, Goat Cheese & Thyme Dip
I love them way too much, Isadora. It’s not even normal. Especially for me, since there’s no chocolate involved. This cheesecake is a nice consolation prize!
Actually Mir, I think you are crazy all the time! 😉 It takes someone only short of a genius to create all of the amazing-ness that you do. This caramel apple cheesecake just tops everything. Amazing!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Tash recently posted…Weekly Musings #2 – Southbank Christmas Market
Aw, thanks, Tash. I can deal with being that kind of crazy!
Now this looks like a dream!! 😉 Give me a slice or two of this, along with my coffee, and I’m ready to tackle the world! Orrrr, at least my day! 😉![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife recently posted…Time to Sparkle #87
Your day is a good place to start, Jocelyn! Worry about the world later.