Nickie's Apple-Pecan Cheesecake



Crust
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Filling
4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs

Topping
4 cups apples (about 3) - peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil, extending the foil sheets over the side of the dish.
2. To make the crust, mix the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar together in a bowl until evenly blended. Press evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup brown sugar, and vanilla together in a mixing bowl until evenly blended. Beat in the sour cream. On low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Pour the mixture over the crust.
4. To make the topping, place the apples in a bowl, and toss with 1/2 cup brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon until evenly blended. Bake in preheated oven until center is almost set, about 55 minutes. Cool, and refrigerate 4 hours, or overnight.
5. Before cutting, allow the cheesecake to sit 30 minutes at room temperature, then lift from the baking dish using the extended aluminum foil sheets, and place on a cutting board or serving plate. Remove the aluminum foil, and cut into 16 squares.

16 Squares