Pecan Autumn Cheesecake

Classic vanilla cheesecake, in a graham cracker crust, topped with cinnamon-sugared apple slices and pecans.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Filling:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
4 cups thinly sliced apples
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven at 350°F (175°C).
2. For Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, pecans and melted butter; press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. For Filling: Combine softened cream cheese and sugar; mixing at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla and pour over the crust.
4. For Topping: Toss thinly sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Carefully pour the apple mixture over the cream cheese layer and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
5. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the rim of the pan; cool before removing from the pan. Chill.

Makes 8 servings.