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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 287 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet, spiced apple topping, finished with a caramel drizzle. Perfectly blending tart apples with rich cheesecake and warm spices, this dessert offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in convenient bar form.

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
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even crust.
  2. Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
  3. Prepare the apple topping: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, mixing well to coat the apples evenly.
  4. Mix crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup brown sugar. This will create a crumbly topping to add texture and sweetness.
  5. Assemble bars: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Then sprinkle the flour and brown sugar crumb mixture evenly on top of the apples.
  6. Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and topping.
  • Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • Chilling the bars before slicing helps clean cuts and better texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Leftover bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, apple dessert bars, cheesecake bars, autumn dessert, fall desserts, spiced apple bars

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