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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Indulge in the perfect blend of tart apples, creamy cheesecake, crunchy streusel, and rich caramel with these delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, crumbly pecan streusel, and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, these bars are an irresistible treat for dessert lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

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

For the Cheesecake Layer:

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

For the Apple Layer:

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

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the other layers.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  4. Make the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will add flavor and prevent the apples from browning. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  5. Create the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix all-purpose flour with brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
  7. Chill the Bars: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to firm up, making them easier to cut and enhancing flavor.
  8. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns an amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream – the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in the unsalted butter and salt until the sauce is smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly before serving.
  9. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle each piece with warm caramel sauce just before serving for a luscious finish.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the caramel and streusel.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
  • Cold butter in the streusel topping is key for creating a crumbly texture.
  • The caramel sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator; warm slightly before drizzling.
  • To easily remove the bars, allow the parchment paper to overhang the pan edges for lifting.
  • Optional nuts add extra crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple cheesecake, caramel dessert, streusel topping, fall dessert

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