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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Delight in these rich and creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, crumbly pecan streusel, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting dessert with seasonal flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Topping

  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Streusel Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove and let it cool while you prepare the next layers.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust and spread it out smoothly.
  5. Prepare Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  6. Create Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans if desired. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple topping.
  7. Bake Bars: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The streusel should be golden brown and the cheesecake layer set without wobbling.
  8. Cool Bars: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before cutting.
  9. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat carefully, then whisk in heavy cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir in butter and salt until smooth. Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly.
  10. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle each serving generously with warm caramel sauce just before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweet cheesecake and caramel layers.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • For crunchier streusel, chill the butter before mixing and avoid overworking the mixture.
  • Watch the caramel closely while cooking to prevent burning; remove from heat as soon as it reaches amber color.
  • Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Optional pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, fall dessert bars, graham cracker crust cheesecake, homemade caramel sauce

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/