Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of fall flavors, combining the richness of cheesecake with the tartness of apples and the sweetness of caramel. This dessert is ideal for autumn gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for your family.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer:

3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

4. Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.

5. In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over apple layer.

6. Bake the bars for 45–50 minutes until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

7. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase to medium-high and cook without stirring until amber colored, about 8–10 minutes.

8. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream (mixture will bubble). Stir in butter and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.

9. Cut chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Notes

The Perfect Crust: Pre-bake for 10 minutes for extra crunch.

Creamy Cheesecake Layer: Use room temperature cream cheese and beat until smooth to avoid lumps.

Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn are also great.

Caramel Tips: Watch closely while cooking—caramel can burn quickly. Store-bought caramel is a fine shortcut.

Serving and Storage: Store chilled for up to 5 days. Let bars sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving for best texture.