Caramel Apple Cheesecake

I was watching Paula Dean one day and this was the dessert she was working on. I thought it sounded yummy so we gave it a try. It has now become Zach's favorite dessert. Give it a try, I promise you will love it.

1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temp
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/4 cup caramel topping
12 pecan halves, plus 2 TBL chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Reserve 3/4 cup of the apple filling; set aside. Spoon the remaining filling into the crust. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Pour this over the pie filling. Bake for 30-35 min. or until the center is set. Cool to room temp.
Mix the reserved pie filling and caramel topping in a small saucepan and heat for about 1 min. or until spreadable. Spoon the apple-caramel mixture over the top of the cheesecake and spread evenly. Decorate the edge of the cake with pecan halves and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

**I usually don't do the pecans and it turns out just as great!**