Autumn's harvest is perfectly displayed in this wonderful layered cheesecake dessert topped with thin-sliced apples and pears, nuts and maple syrup.

Harvest Apple-Pear Dessert

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup ground nuts, toasted* - divided use
3 tablespoons grated orange peel
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 large egg

2 medium apples, thinly sliced
2 medium pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/3 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add flour; beat until well blended.
3. Spread dough onto bottom and 1-inch up side of 9-inch springform pan.
4. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add 1/4 cup of the nuts, orange peel and juice; mix well. Add egg; beat just until blended.
5. Spread evenly onto bottom of crust; top with sliced fruit. Drizzle with syrup; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup nuts.
6. Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Let stand 5 minutes.
7. Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of pan.
8. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 10 servings.

*To toast nuts, place in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until nuts are lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Cool.

Cook's Tip: Ground the nuts in a food processor or blender.