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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 45 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, tart diced apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crunchy pecan streusel topping. Finished with a rich homemade caramel sauce, this dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet, indulgent treat.

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 Layer

  • 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 for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Bake crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the other layers. This step prevents sogginess and improves texture.
  4. Prepare cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Assemble cheesecake layer: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  6. Make apple layer: Toss the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  7. Create streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
  8. Bake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set (no longer jiggly).
  9. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly before slicing.
  10. Make caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then increase heat to medium-high. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat carefully and whisk in heavy cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir in butter and salt until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Let caramel cool slightly.
  11. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving for a decadent finish.

Notes

  • For an extra-crispy crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat it thoroughly to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • Granny Smith apples provide a tart balance to the sweet caramel, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn can be used for different flavor profiles.
  • Monitor caramel sauce closely while cooking to prevent burning; store-bought caramel sauce is an acceptable shortcut.
  • Bars are best served chilled; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture.

Keywords: Caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, cheesecake bars, caramel dessert, fall dessert, baked cheesecake bars

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