Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
  • 2-1/4 cups sliced peeled fresh pears
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • Additional caramel ice cream topping, optional

Method

  • In a small bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour until blended. Press onto the bottom and 1-1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan; set aside.
  • In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and caramel topping until smooth. Spread evenly into crust. Arrange pear slices over filling. Combine the pecans, sugar, cinnamon and apple pie spice; sprinkle over pears.
  • Place pan on a
  • . Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400°; bake 12-16 minutes longer or until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Remove sides of pan before slicing. Drizzle with additional caramel topping if desired.