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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling topped with a spiced, tender apple mixture for a deliciously layered dessert perfect for fall or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Topping

  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan & Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
  3. Bake Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Make sure the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and eggs are at room temperature. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
  5. Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually beat in granulated sugar until creamy, then mix in vanilla extract for flavor.
  6. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth texture.
  7. Pour Filling: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread evenly to the edges of the pan.
  8. Prepare Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, combine diced Granny Smith apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly to coat the apples well.
  9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer to create a spiced apple topping.
  10. Bake Bars: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken.
  11. Cool & Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Then cover loosely and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight until fully set.
  12. Slice & Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into individual portions with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest filling.
  • Parchment paper makes it easy to lift bars out of the pan.
  • Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid cracking or dense texture.
  • Chilling the bars overnight improves the flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple cheesecake bars, caramel cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple dessert bars, creamy cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-2/