Description
Indulgent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with classic fall flavors, creating a dessert that promises pure comfort. Crisp graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and caramel-kissed apple topping make these bars a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Layer:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Supporting Ingredients:
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and arrange parchment paper in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon to create a cohesive crust mixture.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan’s bottom, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to maintain a uniform texture.
- Blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Distribute the seasoned apple mixture uniformly across the cheesecake layer.
- Create streusel topping by combining flour and brown sugar.
- Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Optionally fold in chopped pecans for added crunch.
- Generously sprinkle the streusel over the apple layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the streusel turns golden and the cheesecake sets.
- Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours.
- Prepare caramel by heating sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat and cook without stirring until the mixture transforms to a rich amber color (8-10 minutes).
- Carefully whisk in cream, which will create a vigorous bubbling reaction.
- Incorporate butter and salt, stirring until the caramel reaches a smooth consistency.
- Let the caramel cool slightly to prevent burning.
- Slice the chilled bars into neat squares.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars just before serving for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free cheesecake base that blends perfectly.
- Patting apple pieces dry before mixing prevents excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
- Chilling the bars completely helps them set and develop deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version of this decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg