Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake desserts have carved out a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them a go-to choice for many occasions, from casual family dinners to lavish holiday celebrations. Among the myriad of cheesecake variations, Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars stand out as a unique twist that perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall. This dessert combines the velvety richness of cheesecake with the tartness of fresh apples and the indulgent sweetness of caramel, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and decadent.

Discover the ultimate fall dessert with this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe! Combining creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and rich caramel, these bars are perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to holiday parties. Each layer features a delicious graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a sweet apple topping, all drizzled with homemade caramel. Treat your guests to a dessert that captures the essence of autumn and leaves a lasting impression!

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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 cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Layer:

24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Apple Topping:

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

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons butter

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Make the Cheesecake Layer:

- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.

- Mix in the sour cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Prepare the Apple Topping:

- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.

Assemble the Bars:

- Scatter the sautéed apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

- Bake the entire dish in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional hour to cool gradually.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and cook until it melts and turns amber in color, about 5-7 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

- Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until combined and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Final Assembly:

- Once the cheesecake has cooled completely (and preferably refrigerated for a few hours or overnight), drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 min | 1 hr 30 min (plus cooling time) | 12 servings