This is a spectacular cheese cake with a hidden surprise. Glazed apples accented with cardamom are the surprise that adds a fresh, fruity taste, too.
INGREDIENTS (for 1 servings):
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection® Ground Cardamom
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
-
- Glazed apples:
- 4 medium cooking apples, peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection® Ground Cardamom
-
- Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 4 eggs
PREPARATION:
Crust: Mix all ingredients. Press firmly on bottom and 1 inch up the sides of 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Glazed Apples: Cut apples into 16ths. In large skillet, combine apples with remaining ingredients. Cook until apples begin to caramelize, turning often. Arrange over bottom of crust.
Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar, vanilla, and lemon peel. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Pour over apples.
Bake in preheated 325 degrees F oven 60-70 minutes, or until lightly browned. Turn oven off and allow cheesecake to remain in oven 1 hour with door slightly ajar. Cool in pan. Chill.