Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you love sweet treats with a fall twist, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple topping:
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the caramel drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Leave extra for easy lifting.
Make Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into the pan evenly. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare Cheesecake Layer
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Mix until creamy and fluffy.
Pour Cheesecake
- Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Cook Apple Topping
- In a small pan, cook diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar for 3-4 minutes. Stir until tender.
Add Apples on Cheesecake
- Spread cooked apples evenly over the cheesecake layer. Press lightly for better layering.
Bake Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Cheesecake should be set but slightly soft in the center.
Cool Completely
- Let bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours. Cooling ensures easy slicing.
Drizzle Caramel
- Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over bars. Use a spoon or a small piping bag for even lines.
Slice and Serve
- Lift bars from the pan using parchment paper. Cut into 12 squares. Serve with coffee or a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Make caramel from scratch using butter, cream, and brown sugar for extra flavor.
- Use a springform pan for a fancy presentation.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive look.