Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares Recipe

My kitchen adventure with salted caramel apple cheesecake squares started as a delightful experiment one crisp autumn afternoon.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and caramel danced through my small apartment, promising something extraordinary.

Baking can transform simple ingredients into magical desserts that surprise and delight.

Creamy cheesecake layers mingle with tart apple chunks, creating a sophisticated balance of flavors.

Buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect foundation for this decadent treat.

Each square promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will make you swoon.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that captures the essence of comfort and elegance.

Features to Love in Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares

• Whip Up Easily: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this dessert requires minimal cooking techniques and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic flavors of apple pie and creamy cheesecake, making it a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and dessert parties.
• Slice and Serve Convenience: Pre-portioned squares mean no messy cutting at the table, allowing guests to grab and enjoy without fuss.
• No-Bake Wonder: Minimal oven time means you can prepare this delightful treat without heating up the kitchen, perfect for warm days or when you want a quick dessert solution.

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Ingredient Rundown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a crunchy and sweet foundation for the cheesecake squares.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the graham cracker crust.

• Cream Cheese: The creamy and smooth base that creates the classic cheesecake texture.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds a tender and slightly tart element to the dessert.
• Apple Pie Filling: Provides a convenient and flavorful apple layer with warm spices.

• Salted Caramel Sauce: A rich and decadent drizzle that adds a sweet and salty contrast to the dessert.

Directions for Apple Cheesecake Squares at Home

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a lined 8×8-inch baking pan, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundation for your delectable dessert.

Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure a smooth, tight crust.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Center

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and free of any lumps.

Gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the prepared graham cracker crust, creating a luxurious and velvety layer that will melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Sprinkle Fruity Goodness

Distribute chopped apple pie filling generously over the cream cheese layer.

Ensure the apples are spread evenly to guarantee a delightful balance of flavors in every single bite.

The sweet and tangy apple chunks will add a burst of freshness to the rich cheesecake base.

Step 4: Chill and Drizzle with Decadence

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Once chilled, slice into square portions.

Just before serving, drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the top, creating a stunning and irresistible finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Creamy, Caramel-Topped Cheesecake Bars

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a perfectly uniform crust.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing.
• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast in the cheesecake squares.
• Allow the dessert to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to achieve the ideal slice-able consistency.
• Warm the salted caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to create beautiful, smooth lines on top of the squares.

Cheesecake Square Variations with Apple and Spice

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based cheesecake square.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and choose a sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content.
• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Replace apple pie filling with seasonal berries like raspberries or peaches for a fresh fruity variation.

Serving Apple Cheesecake Squares for Dessert

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange cheesecake squares on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and a small pitcher of extra caramel sauce for drizzling.
• Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside hot coffee or chai tea, complementing the rich caramel and apple flavors with a warm beverage.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Plate individual squares on white porcelain with a dusting of powdered sugar and a small mint leaf for a sophisticated presentation.
• Party Sharing Style: Cut squares into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings, placing them on a decorative tray with toothpicks for convenient sampling.

Storing Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Properly

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep covered with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake squares from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Allow 6-8 hours for gradual defrosting, maintaining texture and flavor.
• Warm individual squares at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy crust and uneven heating.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes, sauté diced apples with cinnamon and a bit of sugar until soft before adding to the cheesecake layer.

• How do I know when the cream cheese layer is properly mixed?

Beat cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even consistency.

• What's the best way to cut clean, neat squares?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut to get smooth, precise edges.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cheesecake squares up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel apple cheesecake squares bring together creamy richness and autumn’s sweetest flavors in one irresistible dessert. Buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and caramelized apple topping create a perfect harmony you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salted caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped apple pie filling

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Preparation Ingredients:

(None additional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable base by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, ensuring a uniform mixture that firmly packs into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Whip the cream cheese until silky and smooth, carefully spreading the luxurious layer across the compressed graham cracker foundation.
3. Artfully distribute the chopped apple pie filling over the cream cheese, creating a vibrant and textured surface that promises delightful flavor combinations.
4. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for approximately 2 hours, allowing the layers to set and meld together harmoniously.
5. Once chilled, slice the dessert into precise squares, showcasing the distinct layers and symmetrical presentation.
6. Elevate the final touch by generously drizzling rich salted caramel sauce across the top, creating an indulgent visual and flavor finale that entices every palate.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect crust by firmly pressing graham cracker mixture into the pan, ensuring an even, compact base that won’t crumble when cutting.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly and creates a creamy texture.
• Drain excess liquid from apple pie filling to prevent soggy squares and maintain a crisp, clean layered dessert structure.
• Customize by using gluten-free graham crackers or replacing apples with seasonal fruits like pears or peaches for variety and dietary adaptations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 232 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg