Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until well combined.
6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Add Apples: Fold in the diced apples.
8. Pour Batter: Pour the apple cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Sour Cream: Mix in the granulated sugar and sour cream until smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Add Heavy Cream: Mix in the heavy cream until fully combined.
5. Spread Cheesecake Mixture: Gently spoon the cheesecake batter over the apple cake batter in the pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the apple cake is cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (except for a bit of gooey cheesecake).
2. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Add Cream and Vanilla: Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until smooth.
4. Cool: Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it cools.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Top with Caramel: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the top of the cooled cheesecake cake.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped apples, nuts if using, and additional caramel sauce.
3. Serve: Slice and serve. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this decadent dessert!

Tips for Success

• Apple Selection: Use firm apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
• Caramel Sauce: The caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat slightly before using.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.
• For Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering.

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake is a delicious blend of spiced apple cake and creamy cheesecake, finished with a rich caramel topping. It’s sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth!