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To make caramel apple cheesecake bars, you need a few simple ingredients. This list makes it easy to gather what you need. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. - 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream - ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) These ingredients combine for a rich dessert. The graham cracker crumbs form a sweet and crunchy crust. The apples add a fresh, tart flavor. Cream cheese gives the filling its creamy texture. Caramel sauce ties everything together with its sweet richness. Each ingredient is important for a well-balanced treat. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 2. Make the graham cracker crust In a medium bowl, mix together 1 ¾ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Bake it for about 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly. 3. Prepare the apple mixture Take 2 large apples, peel, core, and dice them. Toss the diced apples in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Set this mixture aside. 4. Beat the cream cheese mixture In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix it until it is smooth and creamy. 5. Combine apple mixture with cheesecake batter Add 3 large eggs to the cream cheese mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each egg. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until everything is smooth. Gently fold in the apple mixture. 6. Assemble and swirl the caramel Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly. Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter. 1. Bake the cheesecake bars Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle when done. 2. Cooling and chilling process Once baked, take it out and let it cool to room temperature. After that, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or even overnight for best results. 1. How to cut the bars Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the dish using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares or rectangles. 2. Presentation tips with garnishing Arrange the bars on a nice serving platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. You can also add apple slices for a fresh look. Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars! For a smooth cheesecake texture, use softened cream cheese. This helps mix it easily. Blend the cream cheese with sugars until creamy. Avoid lumps for a silky finish. To bake evenly, preheat your oven fully. Place the pan in the center of the oven. This ensures heat circulates well. Check for doneness by looking for set edges and a jiggly center. Garnish your bars with apple slices and a drizzle of caramel. This adds flair and flavor. You can also dust with cinnamon for a warm touch. For drinks, pair these bars with hot cider or coffee. The flavors complement each other nicely. You can even serve with vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can add too much air and create cracks. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Another mistake is not cooling correctly. Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature first. After that, chill it in the fridge for at least four hours. This helps set the bars perfectly. {{image_2}} To add some crunch, sprinkle in nuts or caramel bits. Nuts like walnuts or pecans work great. They give a nice texture and taste. You can also try different spices, like nutmeg or allspice. These spices add warmth and depth to the bars. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free ones. You can find these at most stores. For a vegan cheesecake, replace cream cheese with a plant-based version. Use almond or coconut milk in place of sour cream. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. Feel free to mix up the fruit! In fall, you can use pears or figs. In summer, try berries like strawberries or blueberries. Each fruit will give the bars a new flavor. This keeps the recipe fresh all year round and fun to make! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can also cover the bars with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container. Store them in the fridge for the best taste. You can freeze cheesecake bars for later enjoyment. First, cut them into squares and let them cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. For thawing, take them out and put them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them from getting soggy. In the fridge, these bars last about 5 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 2 months. Just remember to label your container or bag with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy them! Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can use other apples. I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. However, you can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can make these bars a day in advance. Just bake and chill them overnight. This helps the flavors blend well. What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you need a substitute, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese. They both give a nice texture, but the taste may change a bit. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking? The edges will look set, and the center should jiggle slightly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. What's the best way to make caramel sauce from scratch? To make caramel, melt sugar over medium heat until golden brown. Stir in butter and cream, and let it cool. It’s easy and so tasty! How to make cheesecake without eggs? You can use silken tofu or unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs. These will help bind the cheesecake while keeping it creamy. Can I make this into a pie instead of bars? Yes, you can! Just pour the cheesecake filling into a pie crust and bake. Adjust the baking time as needed. You can create delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars with simple steps and ingredients. This treat starts with a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, creamy filling with tart apples. You learned key techniques for a smooth texture and tasty variations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Remember to store your bars properly to extend their life. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your baking. Enjoy making this delightful dessert in your kitchen!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a perfect sweet treat for any occasion! With a creamy apple-infused cheesecake atop a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Follow our simple recipe for delicious layers of cream cheese, caramel, and cinnamon-scented apples. Click through to discover how to make these mouth-watering dessert bars and enjoy a slice of autumn bliss!
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Ingredients
  

1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

      In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and lemon juice. Set aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

          Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and then add the sour cream, blending until incorporated.

            Fold the prepared apple mixture into the cream cheese batter gently until evenly distributed.

              Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly.

                Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake batter and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it slightly.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

                    Once chilled, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment overhang, and cut into bars. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including chill time) | Servings: 12 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a serving platter, garnished with apple slices and a drizzle of caramel for a decorative touch.