Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Oh how I love cheesecake....it's just so darn good! And you don't have to feel so guilty because I cut tons of fat and calories out of this baby! This was so yummy and easy to make. The apples and caramel were heaven with the creamy cheesecake. A great summer treat, especially nice and cool right out of the fridge!



1 honey maid Graham Pie Crust
1 can (21 oz.) apple pie filling
1 package (8 oz.) low fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup egg beaters (this cuts out most of the fat and cholesterol and doesn't alter the flavor one bit. I always have it in my fridge just for baking) or 3 eggs
1/2 cup fat free caramel ice cream topping
chopped walnut

Directions

1. Place the crust on a baking sheet. Spread half of the apple pie filling in the crust. Set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg beaters in a 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until just combined. Gently spread cream cheese filling over apples in the crust.

3. Bake on your baking sheet at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool for 1 hour. Be patient, it is worth it!

4. Refrigerate for at least another 3 hours. So, I would make this in the morning or after lunch when your kids are nicely playing in your living room... or like mine who are fighting over every toy :) This way your cheesecake will be cooled and ready to eat and it won't be 11 p.m. when you and your husband are eating dessert.

5. Now with the rest of those apples. I know there is a bunch of sauce left to so get a BIG cutting board and pour out the filling. You need to chop those apples a bit smaller so slicing your cheese cake will be easier. After they are bite-sized, spread the remaining pie filling over the top of the cooked cheesecake. Drizzle with ice cream topping. OR, what we did was cut ourselves a piece of cake and then drizzle with caramel. Whatever you want to do is great. Garnish with chopped walnuts just for kicks and delicious flavor too. Store in the refrigerator.