Caramel Apple Pecan Cheesecake

Alright, so as promised the 2nd dessert for our work Thanksgiving lunch.  A caramel apple cheesecake!  I can't wait to give this one a taste at work.  I didn't want to do the normal boring apple pie and pumpkin pie but also didn't want to stray to far from the good 'ol favorites.  I thought this was a perfect choice to spice up the usual apple pie.  And the cookies from yesterday (here) were a great twist on pumpkin pie.  Hopefully my co-workers agree :)
Sorry for the poor quality picture.  I ahd to take it at work with my phone since I waited to add the whip cream to the top until the last minute.

Caramel Apple Pecan Cheesecake Ingredients: For the crust: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs 3 tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon 5 1/3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted ½-¾ cup caramel 1 cup chopped pecans For the apple filling: 5 tbsp. unsalted butter ½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 5-6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced For the cheesecake: 8 oz. cream cheese ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice For the topping: ¾ cup heavy cream 3-4 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar ¼-½ cup caramel Chopped pecans Directions: To make the crust, preheat the oven to 375° F.  Line the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with parchment paper.  In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon and melted butter.  Toss with a fork until all the crumbs are moistened and the ingredients are evenly mixed.  Transfer the mixture to the prepared springform pan and press the crumbs in an even layer over the pan bottom and about half to two-thirds of the way up the sides of the pan.  Bake for 6-8 minutes, until golden in color.  Let cool for about 10 minutes.  Pour a layer of caramel into the bottom of the crust and sprinkle evenly with the chopped pecans.  Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling. To make the apple filling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Mix in the brown sugar, salt and cinnamon and cook for 1 minute, until bubbling.  Mix in the apple slices and toss well to coat.  Cook over medium to medium-high heat until tender and most of the liquid has been reduced, about 15-20 minutes.  Let cool for a few minutes and pour into the prepared pie shell.  Set aside. Reduce the heat of the oven to 350° F.  To make the cheesecake layer, combine the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.   Mix in the vanilla, egg and lemon juice until fully incorporated and smooth, 1-2 minutes.  Spread the cheesecake filling into an even layer over the top of the cooked apples in the crust.  Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.  Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (being careful not to overbeat.)  Spread gently over the top of the chilled cheesecake layer.  Top with dollops of caramel sauce and swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.  Sprinkle with a handful of chopped pecans if desired.  Slice with a long, thin knife to serve. Recipe found on Annie's Eats