Description
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a perfect fall dessert that melds creamy cheesecake with tart Granny Smith apples and rich caramel. These bars boast a delightful combination of textures, featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with smooth cheesecake and warm spiced apple filling, all drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home, these decadent treats are sure to impress every guest. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, they embody the essence of autumn in every bite. Gather your friends and family to enjoy this delectable dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon to form the crust. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in another bowl.
- Layer half of the cheesecake filling over the crust, add seasoned apples, then pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until set and lightly golden on top.
- Prepare caramel sauce by dissolving sugar in water over medium heat until golden brown; carefully stir in heavy cream.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 259
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 56mg