# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Spiced Apples
05 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 3 tablespoons brown sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - Pinch of salt
11 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
→ Cheesecake Filling
12 - 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup granulated sugar
14 - 3 large eggs
15 - 3/4 cup sour cream
16 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
17 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
18 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
→ Topping
19 - Reserved spiced apples
20 - Whipped cream (optional)
21 - Caramel sauce (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
03 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are tender. Stir in bourbon and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool. Reserve one-third of the apples for topping.
04 - In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in sour cream, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and bourbon until just combined.
05 - Gently fold in the remaining two-thirds of the spiced apples into the cheesecake batter. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
07 - Remove cheesecake from the oven. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight.
08 - Top with reserved spiced apples before serving. Add whipped cream or drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
