CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Combine the first five ingredients; press onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes; cool.
• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs; beat on low just until combined.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Pour over crust.
• Toss apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon; spoon over filling.
• Place cheesecake/pan in a large rectangular baking pan filled with 2 inches of hot water; place in 350 degree oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set.
• Remove cheesecake from oven and water-filled pan and cool on a wire rack to 10 minutes.
• Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen.
• Drizzle with 4 tablespoons caramel topping.
• Cool for 1 hour.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• Remove sides of pan.
• Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream.
• Drizzle with remaining caramel; sprinkle with pecans.
• Store in refrigerator.