Apple-licious Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Apple Pie crust crumbs (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 containers (16 oz) of Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups strawberry puree or jam
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the Apple Pie crust crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour the mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree/jam and cornstarch. Pour it over the cream cheese mixture and swirl it lightly with a knife.
5. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is almost set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature.
6. In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and granulated sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a minute.
7. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly pour the lemon mixture into the whisked eggs, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter until smooth. Pour the lemon curd over the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the pan and slice. Serve and enjoy the creamy, fruity flavors!