Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. Finished with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, they are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 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
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- For the 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)
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the streusel over the apple layer.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then increase heat and cook without stirring until amber (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.
Notes
- For best results, let the cheesecake bars chill overnight before serving.
- You can substitute the Granny Smith apples with other tart apple varieties.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze well; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure all other ingredients are GF.
- For a nut-free option, omit pecans or substitute with rolled oats.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, Caramel apple cheesecake recipe, Easy caramel apple cheesecake bars, Homemade caramel apple cheesecake bars, Chewy caramel apple cheesecake bars, Baked caramel apple cheesecake bars, Apple caramel cheesecake squares, Creamy caramel apple cheesecake bars, How to make caramel apple cheesecake bars, Caramelized apple cheesecake bars