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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples) - ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - ½ cup chopped nuts (optional; use pecans or walnuts) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and creamy treat. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy base. Unsalted butter helps bind the crust. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor. Cream cheese makes the filling rich and creamy. Granulated sugar sweetens it up. Eggs give the bars structure. Vanilla extract adds warmth, while ground cinnamon gives a nice spice. For the apple element, pick your favorites. I enjoy using tart apples for a nice contrast. The caramel sauce brings everything together. If you love nuts, sprinkle some on top for crunch. Each ingredient matters in making these bars a hit! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the edges hang over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. 2. Make the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir until it feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. This crust will hold all the yummy filling. 3. Bake the crust and prepare the filling: Bake the crust in the oven for 8 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool while you make the cheesecake filling. 1. Beat the cream cheese and incorporate sugars: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until fluffy and fully combined. 2. Add eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon: Now, add 2 large eggs one by one. Mix slowly after each egg. Then, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is mixed well. 3. Fold in apples and caramel, pour over crust: Gently fold in 2 cups of peeled and diced apples and ½ cup of caramel sauce. Be careful not to overmix. Pour this yummy filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. For some crunch, you can sprinkle ½ cup of chopped nuts on top if you like. 1. Bake and check for doneness: Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should set, but the center can still jiggle a bit. It will firm up as it cools. 2. Cool to room temperature, then chill: After baking, let the cheesecake bars cool in the dish until they reach room temperature. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. These steps will guide you to create the perfect caramel apple cheesecake bars that taste like fall! - Ensuring smooth cream cheese mixture: Start with cream cheese at room temperature. This helps it blend easily. Use an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides to mix well. - Tips for folding in apples: After mixing the filling, add the apples gently. Use a spatula to fold them in. Don’t stir too hard; you want to keep the apples intact for nice bites. - How to achieve the perfect bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. The edges should look set. The center will jiggle slightly. It firms up as it cools. - Presentation ideas for serving: Place the cheesecake bars on a pretty platter. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top for texture. Add thin apple slices around the edges for color. - Ideal pairings with beverages: These bars pair well with warm cider or pumpkin spice latte. A cup of coffee also complements them nicely. - Suggested garnishes for added flavor: Top each bar with whipped cream. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds warmth. You can also add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty twist. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier blending, resulting in a smooth and creamy filling. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of flavors that complement the sweetness of the caramel. Don’t Overmix: When folding in the apples and caramel, be gentle to avoid breaking up the apple pieces and maintain a pleasing texture. Chill Before Serving: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill completely for at least 2 hours; this helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to cut into clean squares. {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavor of your caramel apple cheesecake bars by adding different fruits. Try pears or peaches for a sweet twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor and texture. Apples are great, but exploring other options can surprise your taste buds. You can also change the nuts you use. Instead of pecans or walnuts, consider almonds or macadamia nuts. Each nut offers a unique crunch and flavor. This small change can make a big difference in your dessert. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham crackers. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You can enjoy the same crust flavor without gluten. For a dairy-free version, use a cream cheese substitute. There are great non-dairy cream cheeses made from nuts or soy. These options keep the creamy texture while catering to dietary needs. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator. - Use an airtight container: Place the bars in a container with a tight lid. This keeps them moist and prevents them from absorbing other smells. - Layer with parchment paper: If stacking, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to serve. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. - Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the bars completely. - Store in a freezer-safe container: This helps prevent freezer burn. - Label with the date: This way, you know when to use them by. If you freeze your cheesecake bars, thaw them before eating. - Thaw in the fridge: Place the bars in the fridge overnight for a slow thaw. This keeps them from getting too mushy. - Quick thaw method: If you need them fast, leave them at room temperature for about 2 hours. To reheat, use one of these methods: - Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Check often to avoid overheating. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat the bars for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the crust crisp. Now, your caramel apple cheesecake bars will be ready to enjoy anytime! I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. Their tangy flavor balances the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp apples also work well for a crisp texture. You want apples that hold their shape during baking. Yes, you can! These bars store well. Make them a day or two before your event. Just keep them in the fridge. Allowing them to chill helps the flavors meld beautifully. To adjust sweetness, you can cut back on the granulated sugar. You might also add less caramel sauce. Taste the filling before baking to find your perfect level of sweetness. Absolutely! You can use applesauce or a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This makes for a great binding agent. This article covers a delicious cheesecake bar recipe from start to finish. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking techniques to create a tasty treat. I shared helpful tips for baking and serving, along with variations and storage advice. Keep these ideas in mind as you bake. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll impress everyone with your cheesecake bars. Enjoy making this dessert, and feel free to experiment with flavors!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel apple twist, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 0.5 cups caramel sauce
  • 0.5 cups chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal later.
  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined baking dish to create a sturdy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing continuously until fully combined and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
  • Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples and the caramel sauce, being careful not to overmix. You want to distribute the apples evenly throughout the cheesecake mixture.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. If using, sprinkle the optional chopped nuts evenly across the top.
  • Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should appear set, while the center should have a slight jiggle; it will firm up as it cools.
  • Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature in the baking dish. After cooling, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
  • When ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars for serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

Arrange the cheesecake bars on a decorative platter. Drizzle caramel sauce over each bar and sprinkle with crushed nuts for added texture.
Keyword apple, caramel, cheesecake, dessert bars