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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

Deliciously rich caramel apple cheesecake bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, crunchy streusel, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzle.

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
  3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the other layers, ensuring a firm base for the cheesecake.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese together with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
  5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor, then pour this cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Prepare Apple Layer: In another bowl, toss the diced peeled 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: Combine flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using for added texture.
  8. Assemble Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer to create a crunchy topping.
  9. Bake Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set without jiggle.
  10. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set fully.
  11. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  12. Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir in butter and salt until smooth, then let cool slightly.
  13. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with the warm caramel sauce just before serving for a perfect finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute Granny Smith apples with other tart apples like Honeycrisp for a different flavor.
  • Chilling the bars before cutting helps them hold their shape better.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans in the streusel topping.
  • Caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; rewarm before drizzling.
  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake layer to avoid lumps.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, caramel cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, fall dessert, cheesecake bars recipe, homemade caramel sauce, spiced apple bars

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