Indulgent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
A delightful treat combining the flavors of autumn with creamy cheesecake, these cheesecake bars are topped with tender apples and luscious caramel, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 oz Cream cheese (softened) Make sure it's at room temperature
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar For the cheesecake filling
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
For the apple topping
- 2 cups Fresh apples (peeled and diced) Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice To prevent browning
For the caramel topping
- 1/2 cup Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Making the filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
Preparing the apples
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with ground cinnamon and lemon juice.
Assembly
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Evenly distribute the cinnamon-coated apples on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples and use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel slightly into the cheesecake.
Baking
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
Notes
Serving chilled with whipped cream and extra caramel sauce is recommended. Bars can also be garnished with chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar.