Caramel Apple 'Cheesecake'

Tomorrow is Day 1 of our 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways series!!!  I'm excited for you guys!  We've got 25 big name companies participating.  You'll have the opportunity to enter for a new prize every day for 25 days in a row, from November 30th until Christmas Eve December 24th.  Some days will have more than 1 winner, so be sure to read the details closely.  You'll have 24 hours to get entered every day.  Each day, there are two easy entry options, plus bonuses for tweeting, sharing, or liking the giveaway or company.  It should be easy and fun!  This is my way of giving back to you all for the years of support and love and suggestions and praise!!  Merry Christmas!

A hint for tomorrow's prize..... It promotes natural beauty and relaxation, and the beautiful lady behind this company has been generous here at Healing Cuisine many times in the past.  Her products have always been a hit!  So stay tuned, you'll want to get in on tomorrow's giveaway!

Now, on to those new dessert recipes I promised you.  These are the two desserts I made for Thanksgiving this year, brand new:  Caramel Apple 'Cheesecake' and Cherry Crumble Bars!  I've only got time at the moment to share the first one with you.  My friend Molly and I fell in love with this cheesecake, a new version of my summer favorite Strawberry Cream Pie.  This caramel apple cheesecake uses raw cashews as the base for the no-bake cheesecake, and is now our new favorite fall dessert.  You've got to give it a try!  The caramel sauce is optional, so if you're Advanced Plan feel free to leave that layer of the pie out.  The Cherry Crumble Bars were yummy, too.  Recipe is coming as soon as I catch up on unpacking these boxes!

Salted Caramel Apple 'Cheesecake'
Makes 8 Servings

CRUST LAYER
1 1/4 cups coconut flour
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
5 Tbsp coconut oil (solid room temp)
1 Tbsp raw almond butter or coconut butter
2 tsp Stevita Spoonable stevia
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp cinnamon

CARAMEL PECAN LAYER
1 cup oozy caramel sauce
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

CINNAMON APPLE LAYER
5 Tbsp raw butter
3 Tbsp raw unfiltered local honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch sea salt
5 small organic Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped

APPLE CHEESECAKE LAYER
2 small organic Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours then rinsed
1 Tbsp Stevita Spoonable stevia
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp coconut butter, melted
4 Tbsp coconut oil, melted

1.)  CRUST LAYER   Add all crust ingredients to food processor.  Pulse until well combined and small crumb texture forms.  Dump into a 9 inch spring form pan.  Press the crust into the pan edges with your fingers, going about 1/2 to 2/3 up the sides.  Place in fridge while you prepare the next layer.

2.)  CARAMEL PECAN LAYER  Spoon caramel sauce into the base of the pie crust.  Spread evenly with a spoon.  Sprinkle chopped pecan bits over the caramel.  Place pie crust in fridge while you prepare the next layer.

3.)  CINNAMON APPLE LAYER  Heat a large skillet over Medium-High heat.  Melt the butter then add the honey, cinnamon and sea salt, stirring to combine.  Cook the mixture until it is gently bubbling, about 1 minute.  Add the chopped apples to the pan and toss to coat.  Cook over Medium-High heat until the apples are very tender and just about all of the liquid has evaporated, about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes, then add to the pie pan evenly over the caramel pecan layer.  Return the pan to the refrigerator while you prepare the final layer.

4.)  APPLE CHEESECAKE LAYER  Blend all apple cheesecake ingredients together in a high speed blender until completely smooth.  Scrape down sides as needed.  Taste for sweetness, add more stevia if you wish (it depends on how sweet your apples are).  Pour the 'cheesecake' over the cinnamon apple layer.  Add a fifth layer of whipped coconut cream, then drizzle caramel sauce over the top and swirl around with a knife (optional).  Chill in freezer for 5 hours then in fridge for 1-2 hours before removing ring and serving.

See you back here bright and early tomorrow for the big 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways kickoff!