Description
Indulge in the irresistible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. These bars feature a creamy cheesecake filling blended with tart Granny Smith apples and topped with rich caramel sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, each bite balances sweet and tangy flavors with a comforting texture. Easy to prepare, these bars are sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite!
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, then eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold this mixture into the cheesecake filling gently.
- Pour the apple-cheesecake filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes until set around edges but slightly jiggly in center.
- While baking, prepare caramel sauce by combining granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until amber color forms. Whisk in heavy cream, butter, and salt until smooth.
- Allow bars to cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce and slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg