.Scrumptious Apple-Pecan Cheesecake.

.Ingredients.
1 cup HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs
3/4 cup finely chopped PLANTERS Pecans, divided
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
4 cups thin peeled apple slices


.Instructions.
1. PREHEAT oven to 325°F if using a silver 9-inch springform pan (or to 300°F if using a dark nonstick 9-inch springform pan). Mix crumbs, 1/2 cup of the pecans, 3 Tbsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. of the cinnamon and butter; press firmly onto bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

2. BEAT cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust. Mix 1/3 cup sugar and remaining 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat. Spoon over cream cheese layer; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecans.

3. BAKE 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.


.Tips.
* For best results, use firm apples, such as Granny Smith or McIntosh.


(Source: Kraft Foods)


Enjoy!