Luxurious Caramel Apple Cheesecake!

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, fold in the sour cream.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggles when shaken. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping:

While the cheesecake is cooling, heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly.
Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the apples are tender and coated in the caramelized sugar mixture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Homemade Caramel Sauce (optional):

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually add the heavy cream and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Cheesecake:

Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, arrange the caramelized apple slices on top of the cheesecake. Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and fully chill. When ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips: