This mouthwatering Apple Pecan Cheesecake is a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and crunchy pecans. Baked to perfection with a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe is a must-try. Follow these simple steps to create a cheesecake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Whipped cream and caramel sauce for serving (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Gently fold the apple mixture and chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. To prevent cracking, place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven during baking.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake before removing the sides of the pan.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- To serve, garnish with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Interesting Facts
This recipe combines the classic flavors of apple pie and cheesecake for a heavenly dessert.
The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
The addition of sour cream gives the cheesecake a velvety texture.
Refrigerating the cheesecake overnight allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and creamy dessert.