Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

As the crisp air of fall settles in, the allure of seasonal flavors becomes irresistible. One of the most iconic combinations that evoke the essence of autumn is the pairing of caramel, apple, and cheesecake. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars embody this delicious trio, offering a unique dessert that caters to both cheesecake aficionados and those who crave the comforting flavors of fall. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress.

Discover the perfect fall treat with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Inspired by the classic caramel apple, this recipe blends creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and rich caramel into a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and beautifully presented, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with layers of luscious cheesecake and spiced apples. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, enjoy a taste of autumn in every bite!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup sour cream

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Apple Layer:

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.

- In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

- Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix on low to medium speed until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Prepare the Apple Layer:

- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Assemble the Bars:

- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out gently.

- Spread the diced apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, followed by the remaining cheesecake filling.

- Use a spatula to smooth the top and gently swirl the layers together if desired.

Bake:

- Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.

- Turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the bars cool slowly in the oven for about an hour.

Cool and Chill:

- After cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Serve:

- Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

- Drizzle each bar with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt if desired before serving.

Enjoy the gooey, rich flavor of these delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that perfectly balance crisp apples with creamy cheesecake and a buttery crust!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 16