Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and tart apples. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, fall celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They are easy to make and can satisfy your cravings for something rich and fruity.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it through the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or top them with extra caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. They also pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Make sure to wrap them well.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Use freshly diced apples for the best flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith work great.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened; this helps create a smooth cheesecake filling.
- If you want a thicker crust, you can increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs.
Variation
For a nutty twist, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust or sprinkle them on top before baking.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time.
Can I use different fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can try using pears or peaches if you prefer.
What can I do if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Make sure it is softened for a smooth filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pieces eggs Add one at a time
- 2 cups diced apples Use freshly diced tart apples like Granny Smith
- 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought caramel sauce is acceptable
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
Cheesecake Mixture
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it through the cheesecake mixture.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.