YIELD: 1 (9-INCH) SPRINGFORM CHEESECAKE / 12 SERVINGS
APPLES:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 baking (Ida Red or Northern Spy) apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
CHEESECAKE:
4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cake flour
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large whole eggs, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Prepare the apples: Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugars and the cinnamon and stir until well combined. Once the butter in the saucepan has melted, add the sugar mixture to the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes, until the sugar begins to caramelize. Place the apple wedges in the caramelized mixture and sauté for 5 minutes, until the apples are slightly firm to the touch, but not overcooked. (Keep in mind, the apples will be baked a second time.) Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the cheesecake: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the stand mixer bowl to prevent lumps from forming.
4. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cake flour, and salt. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the contents of the medium mixing bowl to the bowl of the stand mixer and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the stand mixer bowl and continue beating on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Slowly add first the whole eggs and then the egg yolk to the bowl, one at a time. After adding each, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Continue beating on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is fully incorporated.
7. Add the sour cream and the vanilla to the bowl of the stand mixer and beat on low speed for 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth. The mixture should be well blended, but not overbeaten.
