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1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and clip the sides in around it; set aside.
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2
In a medium bowl, combine graham-cracker crumbs and sugar, then make a crater in the crumb mixture and pour in the melted butter.
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3
Stir until evenly coated.
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4
Add crumb mixture to the prepared pan and press into the bottom and about halfway up the sides of the pan.
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5
Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce oven heat to 325.
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6
While crust is baking, add 1 1/4 cups pure maple syrup to a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook until syrup has been reduced to a cup, stirring occasionally.
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7
Cool to room temperature.
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8
In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
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9
Beat in sour cream, flour, vanilla, and salt.
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10
Slowly beat in the cooled syrup.
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11
Add in the beaten eggs and mix on low speed just until combined.
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12
Pour into the prepared crust and smooth out so the batter is even.
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13
Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan, and fill larger pan with 1 inch of hot water to create water bath.
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14
Bake at 325 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours or until center has set and the top has lost its sheen.
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15
Remove from water bath and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then use a paring knife to run along the edge of the cake to separate it from the pan.
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16
Cool for another hour on wire rack.
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17
Transfer to fridge to cool for an addition 6 hours, preferably overnight.
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18
To make the topping just before serving, line a lipped baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 450.
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19
Slice apples into 1/8-inch-thick slices and then slice in half; arrange apples on the pan.
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20
Use a basting brush to brush apples with 1/4 cup maple syrup.
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21
Sprinkle with brown sugar and apple pie spice, then bake for 15 minutes.
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22
Remove apples from oven and use the basting brush to brush the apples with the juice from the pan; broil on low for 3 to 5 minutes.
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23
Remove pan sides from cheesecake and arrange apples on it.
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24
Finish by drizzling with remaining 1/4 cup maple syrup.
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25
Slice with a sharp knife.
