Print

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, tender spiced apples, and a buttery pecan streusel topping. Finished with a luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzle, this dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a rich, fruity treat.

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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  3. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool while you prepare the next layers.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust and spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
  6. Prepare Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are well coated.
  7. Add Apple Layer: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter layer in the pan.
  8. Create Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if desired.
  9. Top with Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the apple layer to cover it completely.
  10. Bake the Bars: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
  11. Cool the Bars: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up for easier slicing.
  12. Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a rich amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
  13. Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir in butter and salt until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before serving.
  14. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle each bar with warm caramel sauce just before serving for an irresistible finish.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness which balances well with the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
  • For easier removal, allow bars to chill thoroughly before slicing.
  • The pecans in the streusel are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat leftover bars slightly and drizzle with warmed caramel sauce for a freshly baked taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, caramel sauce, cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple streusel bars

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