Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars A Delicious Fall Treat
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: For the base.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): For binding.
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened): The main component.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
- 3 large eggs: For binding.
- For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced): About 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well).
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: To prevent browning.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: For warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: For added flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For sweetness.
- For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce: Store-bought or homemade.
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional): For crunch (e.g., pecans or walnuts).
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it gently to distribute the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still have a slight jiggle; it will firm up as it cools.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Once chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake bars. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor.
- Chill the bars for optimal texture before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Caramel, Apple, Cheesecake, Bars, Fall Treat