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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy pecan streusel. Finished with a rich homemade caramel sauce drizzle, they offer a perfect balance of tart apples, creamy sweetness, and decadent caramel—ideal for fall desserts or holiday gatherings.

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 prepare it for baking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  3. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool while you prepare the next layers.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
  6. Prepare Apple Layer: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  7. Make Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans if using, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
  8. Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set.
  9. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  10. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns an amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in the butter and salt until smooth, then let it cool slightly.
  11. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with the warm caramel sauce just before serving for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which holds up well in baking.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • For a nut-free option, omit the pecans in the streusel topping.
  • The caramel sauce can be made ahead and warmed before serving.
  • Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, apple dessert bars, caramel sauce dessert, fall dessert, cheesecake bars, apple streusel bars

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