Ingredients
Crust
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
Filling
8 ounces soft cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup sugar
4 cups mixed thinly sliced tart apples (Granny Smith or Macoun)
Topping
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup warm apricot jam thinned with a little water, see note
1. For the crust, cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add flour and press into bottom and 1-1/2 inches up the side on a 10-inch springform pan.
2. For the filling, combine cream cheese and sugar, and beat until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust.
4. Toss apples, cinnamon and sugar and arrange in concentric circles over the cheese layer.
5. Bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees. Reduce oven to 400 degrees and bake 25 minutes longer. Remove from oven and lightly brush with jam mixture. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake 5 to 10 minutes longer, watching carefully so the almonds do not burn.
Note: Warm the apricot jam in microwave. You can omit topping, if desired. If you do, be sure to bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.