Christine's Apple Torte

Preheat oven to 450°.

To prepare the crust, beat the first 4 ingredients with a mixer at medium speed until well-blended. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Add the flour to the sugar mixture, beating at medium-low speed until mixture is well-blended. Press the crust into the bottom and 3/4 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray.

To prepare the filling, beat 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, the cream cheese, and egg at low speed until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture into prepared crust. Combine apple, 1/2 cup sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Spread the apple mixture evenly over cream cheese mixture; sprinkle with nuts.

Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400° (do not remove torte from oven); bake an additional 25 minutes or until lightly browned and filling is set. Cool on a wire rack. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, if desired.