Preheat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, combine crust ingredients. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until dough leaves sides of bowl and forms a ball. Press onto bottom of 10-inch spring form pan. Bake 10 minutes.
In the same bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, cream cheese, eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth. Spread mixture over crust. Place apples in another bowl. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom; toss to coat. Arrange apples in concentric circles over filling, pressing narrow end of apple slices into cream cheese mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with almonds; continue baking 15-20 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Remove rim from spring form pan. Refrigerate until firm. Makes 12 servings.
Approximate Nutrient Analysis per serving:
370 calories, 23 g fat, 13 g saturated fat, 95 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 28 g sugar, 5 g protein