Beat butter, 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Slowly stir in flour until mixture forms a soft dough. Press into bottom & 1-1/2″ up sides of an ungreased spring form pan.
Beat cream cheese, add 1/4 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla beating until smooth. Pour into crust.
Mix cinnamon and sugar and toss with apples. Layer evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes then 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack before removing sides. Serve at room temperature or chilled.