Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

$To make these delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, you need some key ingredients. Here’s the complete list: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping (optional) These ingredients work together to create a creamy cheesecake mixed with sweet apples and rich caramel. The graham cracker crust gives a nice crunch. With just the right balance of flavors, this dessert is a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the process of gathering everything; it’s part of the fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). - Grease and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. - In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. - Mix well until it looks like wet sand. - Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. - In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese until it is smooth. - Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Mix until completely combined. - Add 3 large eggs one by one, making sure each is mixed in well. - Fold in 2 diced medium apples and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon gently. - Drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce over the mixture. - Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the filling for a marbled look. - Place the pan in the preheated oven. - Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and edges are lightly golden. - Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours. - Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the cream cheese mix smoothly. - Don’t overmix the filling. Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of light. - To cut cheesecake bars effectively, use a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges. - Garnish with fresh fruit or nuts. Thin apple slices and chopped pecans add nice color and crunch. - Chilling time is key. Let the bars cool at room temperature before chilling. - To check doneness, gently shake the pan. The center should jiggle slightly but not be liquidy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your cheesecake bars. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake filling without lumps. Swirl with Care: When swirling the caramel sauce into the cheesecake, use a gentle hand to create a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing. Chill Properly: For the best texture, chill the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight before cutting and serving. {{image_4}} You can switch up the apples in this recipe. Try using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. These apples add different flavors and sweetness. You can also mix apple types for a unique taste. Don't forget to add spices too. A pinch of nutmeg can bring warmth to the bars. It pairs well with cinnamon. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. If you need gluten-free options, you have choices. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. You can also make a nut-based crust. Combine ground almonds or pecans with butter for a tasty alternative. This crust will still give you that crunchy base. Toppings can make your bars even better. Consider adding a chocolate drizzle on top. Melt some chocolate and pour it over the cooled bars. It adds a rich flavor. You can also serve these bars with whipped cream or ice cream. Both add creaminess and balance the sweetness. Try sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nice crunch. After baking, let the cheesecake bars cool at room temperature for about one hour. This step is key. It helps set the cheesecake without cracking. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the fridge. Chill for at least three hours. For the best results, chill overnight. This lets the flavors meld and improves texture. To store in the fridge, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out. If you want to freeze them, cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. In the fridge, the cheesecake bars last about five days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for any off smells or changes in texture. If you see any mold, it's best to discard them. Trust your senses, and enjoy these delicious treats while they're fresh! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. I often prepare them the day before an event. After cooling, chill them for at least three hours. This helps the flavors blend well. If you need a substitute, try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese. These options will keep a creamy texture. Silken tofu is also a great dairy-free choice. It’ll provide a smooth filling. Making caramel sauce is easy! You need sugar, butter, and cream. Start by melting sugar in a pan until it turns golden. Then, add butter and cream. Stir well and let it cool. Yes, you can make this dessert dairy-free. Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of regular cream cheese. This will still give you the creamy texture you crave without dairy. Canned apples can work, but fresh apples are better. Fresh apples add crunch and flavor. If using canned apples, drain them well. This prevents excess liquid from making the bars soggy. This cheesecake bar recipe blends cream cheese, apples, and caramel for a delicious treat. You learned how to prepare the crust, mix the filling, and bake it to perfection. I shared tips for texture, variations, and storage. Feel free to experiment with toppings or apple types. Enjoy these bars chilled for a refreshing dessert. Your efforts will impress anyone you share them with!$

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel apple twist, perfect for dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 4

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 cups caramel sauce
to taste chopped pecans or walnuts for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring that you leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well blended and resembles wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is lump-free.
Incorporate the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time. Ensure each egg is well mixed before adding the next, until the cheesecake mixture is silky and homogeneous.
Carefully fold in the diced apples and cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing. Pour this luscious cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the surface of the cheesecake mixture. With a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel into the filling to create a beautiful marbled effect.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn a light golden brown.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. After cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve the best texture.
When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares. Before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the squares and add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, if desired.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the bars on a decorative plate garnished with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake, dessert