Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel); 1/4 cup water (for caramel); 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel); 1/4 tsp salt (for caramel); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel); 1/4 cup brown sugar (for streusel); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel); 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for streusel)

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Why make this recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and tart apples, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. They make for a perfect dessert, whether for a family gathering, special occasion, or simply to enjoy at home. This recipe combines favorite flavors and textures, providing a mouthwatering treat everyone will love.

How to make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
1/4 cup water (for caramel)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
1/4 tsp salt (for caramel)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
1/4 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for streusel)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the crust: In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until sandy. Press firmly into the bottom of a baking pan and pre-bake for 10 minutes.
For the cheesecake layer: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, then pour over the cooled crust.
For the apple layer: Peel and dice the Granny Smith apples. Toss with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over the cheesecake layer.
For the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring until dissolved. Increase to medium-high and cook until amber (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream, followed by butter and salt. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the apples.
For the streusel topping: Mix flour and brown sugar, cut in cold butter until crumbly, and stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set. Allow to cool before serving.

How to serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve them chilled or at room temperature. You can top them with extra caramel sauce or whipped cream for added indulgence. They are great for sharing or enjoying by yourself!

How to store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for later use, just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil.

Tips to make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
If you like a sweeter treat, add extra caramel sauce on top before serving.

Variation

You can switch out Granny Smith apples for other apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, depending on your taste. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They taste great after chilling overnight.

2. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce will save time, but homemade sauce adds a special touch to the bars.

3. What should I do if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can substitute graham crackers with crushed cookies, such as Digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers, for a similar crust.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and tart apples on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until sandy. Press it firmly into the bottom of a baking pan and pre-bake for 10 minutes.
For the cheesecake layer: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, then pour over the cooled crust.
For the apple layer: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over the cheesecake layer.
For the caramel sauce: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until dissolved. Increase to medium-high and cook until amber (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream, followed by butter and salt. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the apples.
For the streusel topping: Mix flour and brown sugar, cut in cold butter until crumbly, and stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set. Allow to cool before serving.