Ingredients
– 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup of butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons of sugar
– 4 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 4 cups of peeled, sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1 cup of rolled oats
– ½ cup of flour
– ½ cup of cold butter, cubed
Equipment Needed
– 9-inch springform pan
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Medium saucepan
– Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). I always find that a preheated oven helps ensure even cooking, especially for cheesecakes! Start by preparing the crust: combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl, then press this mixture into the bottom of your springform pan. Use a flat-bottomed cup or your fingers to pack it tightly. Next, in another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla, blending until well combined. Then, introduce the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Oh, the smell of vanilla and cream cheese together is absolutely delightful! (See the next page below to continue steps…)