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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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!
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!
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!
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! 🙂
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 🙂
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!!
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!
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!
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??
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!
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!
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!
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! 😉
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife recently posted…Time to Sparkle #87
Your day is a good place to start, Jocelyn! Worry about the world later.