Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the harmony of creamy cheesecake and sweet caramel, especially when combined with tart apples nestled in a deliciously crumbly graham cracker crust. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a wonderful way to celebrate autumn flavors or serve as a delightful dessert for any gathering. With their creamy filling and rich topping, they provide the perfect excuse to whip up something special for yourself or loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These bars are a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. They are relatively easy to whip up, making them ideal for a quick dessert or a crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks. Not only are they delectable, but they also offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors—crispy crust, creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and luscious caramel sauce. Whether you serve them at your next family gathering or prepare them for an intimate dinner, they are sure to impress.
"These caramel apple cheesecake bars were a hit at our fall party! Everyone went back for seconds." – Sarah, home baker
Preparing Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Creating these scrumptious bars is straightforward and requires a few key steps. You’ll mix the crust, prepare a rich cream cheese filling, layer sweet, spiced apples, and then bake everything to perfection. These layers come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of the ingredients for these amazing bars:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Feel free to substitute the apples with your favorite variety, but the tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complements the sweetness beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these delectable Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars is simple if you follow these steps:
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
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Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until creamy.
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Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Add eggs one at a time, incorporating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
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Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
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Prepare the Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well coated.
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Add Apples to Cheesecake: Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake filling, pressing them slightly into the batter.
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Bake the Bars: Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool the Bars: Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
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Drizzle with Caramel: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Drizzle with caramel sauce before cutting into squares.
These steps will guide you in creating these incredible bars with ease!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars look gorgeous arranged on a platter, drizzled with extra caramel sauce, and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more decadent experience. A cup of hot cider or a warm cup of coffee makes the perfect companion!
How to Store
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you may freeze them. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, as this prevents lumps in the filling.
- If you want a stronger apple flavor, consider adding a bit of apple pie spice in with the apples.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the apple layer before baking.
Creative Twists
- For a chocolate variation, swirl in some melted chocolate with the cream cheese filling or top with chocolate drizzle.
- Consider using spiced apples like Pink Lady or even roasted pears to offer a new flavor profile.
- For a twist on the classic, add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch.
Your Questions Answered
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How long does it take to prepare these bars?
- The preparation involves about 20 minutes of active time, plus baking and chilling, so plan for around 3 hours total.
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Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just drizzle with caramel shortly before serving.
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What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m lactose intolerant?
- You can use lactose-free cream cheese or a similar non-dairy alternative for a dairy-free option without sacrificing creaminess.
With these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, you’re on your way to enjoying a deliciously sweet treat that is sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup sour cream
For the apple layer
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the topping
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, incorporating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well coated.
- Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake filling, pressing them slightly into the batter.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Drizzle with caramel sauce before cutting into squares.
