Apple Pie Granola Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Apple Pie flavored granola
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 containers (8 oz each) Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a food processor, pulse the granola until finely ground.
3. Add melted butter and continue to pulse until well combined, resembling wet sand.
4. Press granola mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, using a flat bottomed measuring cup to help press and smooth.
5. Bake crust in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese until creamy and smooth.
7. Add sugar and maple syrup and continue to beat until fluffy.
8. Scrape down the bowl, add eggs one at a time and beat until well combined.
9. Add vanilla extract and salt, and continue to mix until the batter is smooth and velvety.
10. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set and the middle still has a slight jiggle to it.
12. Turn off oven and open the door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before removing from the pan and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
14. Prior to serving, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the cheesecake and sprinkle with additional granola if desired.
15. Slice, serve and enjoy!