Description
Indulgent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with autumn’s favorite fruit, creating a luxurious dessert that marries rich flavors and textures. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and spiced apple topping promise a delectable experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Layer Ingredients:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Streusel Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon to create a cohesive crust mixture. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract, maintaining a silky texture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, creating a uniform base for the apple layer.
- Dice apples and toss with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the fragrant spice mixture. Distribute the seasoned apple pieces uniformly across the cheesecake layer.
- Create streusel topping by combining flour and brown sugar. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate chopped pecans if desired, then generously sprinkle over the apple layer.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The streusel should turn golden brown, and the cheesecake center should appear set but slightly jiggly. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Craft caramel sauce by heating sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the mixture transforms to a rich amber color. Cautiously whisk in cream, then integrate butter and salt, creating a luxurious sauce.
- Once fully cooled, slice the dessert into neat squares. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each bar just before serving, enhancing the dessert’s decadent flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure graham cracker crust is fully cooled before adding cheesecake layer to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp texture.
- Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
- Prevent cheesecake from cracking by avoiding overmixing and using room temperature ingredients, which blend more smoothly and reduce air bubbles.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same delicious base.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg