Apple Bavarian Torte (★ ★ ★ ★)

A classic European torte baked in a springform pan. Cream cheese, sliced almonds, and apples make this the perfect holiday treat (12 servings).

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup butter
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450° F (230° C).
2. Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour.
3. Press crust mixture into the flat bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Pour cheese mixture over crust.
5. Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apple mixture over all.
6. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400° F (200° C) and continue baking for 25 minutes.
7. Sprinkle almonds over top of torte. Continue baking until lightly browned. Cool before removing from pan.