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Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 423 reviews

This Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that features a rich and creamy cream cheese filling infused with bourbon and vanilla, layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. Fresh tart Granny Smith apples spiced with cinnamon add a delightful fruitiness and texture to the cheesecake. The bourbon adds a smooth warmth, perfectly balancing the sweetness. This recipe is ideal for special occasions where a luscious and flavorful dessert is desired.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ¾ cups graham crackers (or gingersnaps)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Apple Filling

  • 4–5 extra large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 pinch salt

Cheesecake Batter

  • 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs (or crushed gingersnaps), melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
  2. Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apples with 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to let the flavors meld. The bourbon will add a subtle warmth and depth to the apples.
  3. Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the 1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Finally, add the 6 tablespoons granulated sugar and blend until the batter is silky and smooth.
  4. Assemble the cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Evenly distribute the bourbon-spiced apple pieces over this layer. Then, pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top, carefully spreading it to fully cover the apples.
  5. Bake the cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks.
  6. Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let it fully set and develop rich flavors before serving.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and slice the cheesecake. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and sweetness.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth and lump-free batter.
  • Ensure apples are chopped uniformly to promote even cooking and texture.
  • Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for the cheesecake center to have a gentle wobble.
  • For a stronger bourbon flavor, you can gently warm the bourbon before mixing with the apples to intensify aroma and reduce raw alcohol taste.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Letting the cheesecake chill overnight enhances the texture and flavor melding.

Keywords: Apple Bourbon Cheesecake, Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake, Apple Dessert, Cream Cheese Dessert, Bourbon Dessert, Fall Dessert

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/apple-bottom-bourbon-pecan-cheesecake-recipe/