Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

If you're on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly marries the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful tartness of fresh apples, look no further than Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. These delectable treats are a feast for the senses, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress family and friends alike. The creamy cheesecake layer, tart apple filling, and luscious caramel drizzle make these bars a standout dessert for any occasion.

Elevate your dessert game with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! This recipe combines silky cheesecake, tart apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle for a crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion, these bars are both visually stunning and delicious. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a blend of warm spices, they are sure to impress family and friends. Follow the detailed steps for a memorable dessert that balances flavors and textures beautifully.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 and ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

¼ cup sour cream

¼ teaspoon salt

For the apple filling:

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the caramel sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined, and the mixture resembles damp sand.

Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Make the apple filling: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; beat until combined.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and salt until smooth.

Assemble the bars: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust. Add the sautéed apples and top with the remaining cheesecake batter. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar. Stir constantly until it melts and turns a golden brown. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while continuing to stir (be careful as it may bubble). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool slightly.

Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 6 hours (including refrigeration) | 12 servings