Description
Indulge in these creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert at home!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Apple Topping:
- 2-3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in ½ cup sugar, then add 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix until just combined.
- Mix the Apples: In a separate bowl, toss 2-3 diced apples with 1 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon until coated.
- Layer and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Add the apple mixture on top, distributing it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- For added texture, sprinkle crushed nuts over the apple layer before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g