Ingredients
6 tbsp. butter
6 peeled, cored, and chopped apples
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 tbsp. apple pie spice (or 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
2 sleeves graham crackers, crushed, plus more crumbs for garnish
1/2 c. melted butter
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 c. caramel sauce
Preparation
Step 1Make apple layer: In large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt and cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Set aside to cool (reserve juices).Step 2Make cheesecake filling: In bowl of stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and salt until just combined. Add cream and beat on medium speed until combined. Refrigerate until assembly.Step 3Make graham cracker layer: Stir together graham crackers with melted butter and salt.Step 4Assemble trifle: Pour 3/4 cup caramel into trifle dish. Chill until caramel is set, about 1 hour. Sprinkle half the graham cracker layer over caramel. Top with 1 1/2 cups apple mixture. Drizzle half the cooking liquid over apples. Spread 2 cups cheesecake mixture over apples with a spatula until completely covered. Pour 1 cup caramel sauce over cheesecake mixture and chill until set. Repeat layers of graham cracker crumble, apples, and cheesecake mixture, swirling the top cheesecake layer.Step 5Let set at least 2 hours before serving, preferably overnight to let ingredients blend together. Step 6Garnish with graham cracker crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup caramel.
