Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious slice of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, where velvety cream cheese meets the sweet crunch of fresh apples, all drizzled with rich caramel. These bars are the perfect fall dessert, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the comforting aroma of baked apples. The buttery graham cracker crust acts as a delightful foundation, balancing the creamy and fruity layers above. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family night, these cheesecake bars will surely impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these rich, sweet, and slightly tangy bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers: This ingredient forms the crust and provides a sweet, crunchy base.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This moistens the crust mixture and adds richness.
• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened: The main creamy filling, giving a smooth texture.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling for a deliciously rich flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the cheesecake together and provides structure.
• 2 cups diced apples: Offers a pleasant crunch and natural sweetness to the filling.
• 1 cup caramel sauce: Drizzled on top, adding a decadent sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the apples and infuses warmth into the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until fully combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples and ground cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
7. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it for a beautiful marbled effect.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set. The center may still be slightly jiggly.
9. Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares to serve.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
• Servings: 12 squares
• Calories: Approximately 300 per square

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling without lumps. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or switching out the apples for pears. A hint of nutmeg can also complement the cinnamon beautifully.

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
   Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe.

2. How should I slice these bars?
   Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean edges.

3. Can I substitute the apples?
   Yes, pears or a mix of dried fruits can be a delightful substitute.

4. Is there a gluten-free option?
   Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

5. Can I make these bars in advance?
   Absolutely! They actually taste better after chilling overnight.

6. How can I serve these?
   They are delicious on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect pairing.

People Also Ask

1. What are cheesecake bars?
   Cheesecake bars are a dessert made with a creamy cheesecake filling on a crust, cut into squares for easy serving.

2. How do I know when cheesecake bars are done?
   The edges should be set, while the center may jiggle slightly.

3. What type of apples are best for baking?
   Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp hold up well when baked.

4. Can I use different types of crust?
   Yes, you can use cookie crumbs or a shortbread crust for a different flavor profile.

5. How long do baked cheesecake bars last?
   They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

6. Can I top these bars with whipped cream?
   Yes, a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a delightful touch.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert to showcase the delicious flavors of fall, and they are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. With every bite, you’ll experience a wonderful blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and indulgent caramel. Please give this recipe a try and share it with your friends and family. Your kitchen will be filled with delightful aromas, and your loved ones will surely be asking for seconds!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, featuring creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and rich caramel, all on a buttery graham cracker crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 squares

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the crust

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers Forms the crust and provides a sweet, crunchy base.
• 1/2 cup sugar Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Moistens the crust mixture and adds richness.

For the cheesecake filling

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened Main creamy filling, giving a smooth texture.
• 1 cup sugar Sweetens the cheesecake filling for a deliciously rich flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
• 2 large eggs Binds the cheesecake together and provides structure.
• 2 cups diced apples Offers a pleasant crunch and natural sweetness to the filling.
• 1 cup caramel sauce Drizzled on top, adding a decadent sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Complements the apples and infuses warmth into the bars.

See also  Basic Butter Cookies

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until fully combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples and ground cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Baking

1. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it for a beautiful marbled effect.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set. The center may still be slightly jiggly.
4. Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g

Notes

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling without lumps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or switching out the apples for pears. A hint of nutmeg can also complement the cinnamon beautifully.

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Let us know how it was!