Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with tender apple slices and rich caramel for a delightful dessert. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat with a bit of fruitiness.

Ingredients

• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the graham cracker crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
4. Step 4: Arrange the sliced apples over the cream cheese layer, then drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
5. Step 5: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it to cover the entire pan.
6. Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden, about 30-35 minutes.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely before chilling them in the refrigerator for a few hours to set.
8. Step 8: Slice the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Substitute the caramel sauce with homemade caramel or a salted caramel for a richer flavor.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
• Make individual servings by baking the bars in a muffin tin lined with paper cups.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, bring them to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples you prefer, but firmer, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best during baking.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free variety or crushed gluten-free cookies, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 131 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Indulge in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layers, tender apple slices, and a generous drizzle of rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity dessert with a decadent cheesecake twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

For the Topping

• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firm and evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust.
2. Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
3. First cheesecake layer: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring a smooth surface for the toppings.
4. Add apples and caramel: Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer, then drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce generously over the apples to infuse flavor and moisture.
5. Second cheesecake layer: Pour the remaining half of the cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface completely.
6. Bake the bars: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top turns lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep it creamy.
7. Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the cheesecake set fully.
8. Serve: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness of caramel.
• Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Allow bars to chill well to achieve clean slices.
• Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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