Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a perfect autumn-inspired dessert that seamlessly blends creamy cheesecake, tart Granny Smith apples, and rich caramel. Ideal for cozy gatherings or family celebrations, these bars are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a crumbly topping, each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that will leave your guests wanting more. Prepare this irresistible treat ahead of time and serve it with a drizzle of warm caramel for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted for crust; cubed for topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for crumble topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
- 1/4 cup water (for caramel sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel sauce)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for caramel sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add remaining granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Fold into the cheesecake mixture gently.
- Pour apple cheesecake filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- For the crumble topping, mix flour and brown sugar together; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until set in the center. Let cool completely before slicing.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water for the caramel sauce. Cook until sugar dissolves and turns golden brown without stirring. Remove from heat; carefully whisk in heavy cream, butter, and salt until smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg