Scrumptious Apple-Pecan Cheesecake

Scrumptious Apple-Pecan Cheesecake
By: Kraft Philadelphia

1 cup Honey Maid graham cracker crumbs
¾ cup finely chopped pecans, divided
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened

2 pkg (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 cups thin peeled apples slices (best if using firm Granny Smith or McIntosh apples)

Heat oven to 325 degrees

Mix crumbs, ½ cup nuts, 3 Tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.

Mix 1/3 cup sugar and remaining cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat. Spoon over cream cheese layer; sprinkle with remaining nuts.

Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate overnight.

Makes 12 servings