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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 65 reviews

Indulge in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cinnamon-spiced apples, a crunchy pecan streusel topping, and a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a decadent dessert combining classic fall flavors with creamy cheesecake goodness.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool while you prepare the other layers.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  4. Make the Apple Layer: In a bowl, toss the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly coat the pieces. Spread this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  5. Create the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
  7. Chill the Bars: After the bars have cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake firm up and the flavors meld.
  8. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir in the unsalted butter and salt until smooth. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling over the chilled bars.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances well with the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
  • Chilling the bars is crucial to get clean, neat slices.
  • The caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; warm slightly before serving.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans in the streusel topping.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

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