Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with sweet cinnamon apples, buttery streusel, and homemade caramel sauce — the ultimate fall dessert!
Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust.
- Make the Apple Layer: In another bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Make the Streusel: Mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then stir in pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and topping is golden. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until deep amber. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt. Cool slightly before drizzling.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over chilled bars before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For easier cutting, chill the bars well before slicing.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American