Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

by

Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ready for a treat that will make your taste buds dance? Caramel apple cheesecake bars are the perfect dessert for you. These bars combine the best of three worlds: buttery shortbread, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel apples.

You’ll love how easy they are to make. No fancy pans or water baths needed. Just layer, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for fall parties or cozy nights at home, these bars will be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Exact Ingredients (Plus Possible Substitutes)

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar

You can swap graham crackers for gingersnaps or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Try Greek yogurt or mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a twist.

For the apple layer:

  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Mix up your apples! Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.

For the streusel topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

For the caramel drizzle:

  • 1/4 cup store-bought caramel sauce

Make your own caramel sauce for an extra special touch!

Instructions

Ready to make some yummy caramel apple cheesecake bars? Let’s get started!

First, preheat your oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the bars later.

See also  4-Ingredient Butter Spaghetti

Next, mix up the crust ingredients and press them into the pan. Bake it for about 8-9 minutes until it’s lightly set.

While the crust cools, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

Pour this cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Now for the apple topping! Mix chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon this over the cheesecake layer.

If you’re adding a crumb topping, sprinkle it on top of the apples.

Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The sides should be set, but the middle can still have a slight jiggle.

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. For best results, chill them in the fridge for a few hours.

Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Making caramel apple cheesecake bars is easier than you might think. Here are some helpful tips to make your bars turn out perfectly:

Use cold cream cheese for the filling. This helps create a smoother texture.

Grease your baking pan well to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes slicing cleaner.

When storing your cheesecake bars, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

See also  Creamy au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

To serve frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating.

Try different apple varieties for unique flavors. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.

Don’t overbake the bars. They’re done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.