Baked Apple Strudel Cheesecake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, combine egg yolk and vanilla; stir into flour mixture. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

2. 2

   Place the sliced apples in an ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until tender; drain and cool.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs and beat on low speed just until combined. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust. Toss the baked apples with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Arrange the apples over the cream cheese layer and drizzle with any remaining cinnamon mixture. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts.

4. 4

   Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen; cool for 1 hour longer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove the sides of the pan and use a sharp knife to cut into slices. Refrigerate any leftovers.