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Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars
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Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine tender baked apples, rich caramel sauce, and creamy cheesecake on a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, blending warm fall flavors into a convenient, sliceable treat that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Topping

  • 3 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is moist and crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon. Pour this mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
  3. Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before spreading over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Add the Caramel and Bake: Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apple layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the apples and cheesecake to create a marbled effect. Bake the assembled bars for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  5. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature to set. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the cheesecake layer to firm up before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to achieve a silky smooth cheesecake without lumps.
  • Slice apples evenly and thinly for consistent cooking and layering.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks; the center should have a slight jiggle before cooling.
  • If making homemade caramel, avoid overheating to keep it soft and buttery without bitterness.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and clean slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple caramel cheesecake bars, fall dessert, baked apple bars, caramel cheesecake, easy cheesecake bars, gluten-free cheesecake bars

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