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To make caramel apple cheesecake bars, gather these key ingredients: - 1 ¾ cups crushed graham crackers - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt for garnish These ingredients create a delicious blend of flavors. The creamy cheesecake pairs well with the tart apples and sweet caramel. You can add some optional ingredients for even more taste: - Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth - A drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra sweetness These additions can elevate your cheesecake bars and make them even more special. If you need to swap out some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - Use graham cracker crumbs or cookie crumbs for the crust. - Substitute coconut oil for butter in the crust for a dairy-free option. - Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese if you want a plant-based treat. - Try different apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for varied sweetness. These substitutions keep your recipe flexible and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ¾ cups of crushed graham crackers, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until it all blends well. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. Make it even and compact. Bake this crust for 8-10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly. Now, we’ll make the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat 1 package of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar. Make sure it’s creamy and smooth. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl’s sides to get everything mixed. Next, fold in 2 cups of finely chopped apples and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Make sure the apples are spread evenly throughout the mixture. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over it. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. This gives a nice marbled look. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. Once baked, let the cheesecake bars cool at room temperature. After they cool, place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps them set completely. When you are ready to serve, cut into squares. Drizzle with more caramel sauce and sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top. Enjoy! To get a smooth texture, use softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can make lumps. Beat it well until creamy before adding other ingredients. Make sure to beat in the eggs one at a time. This helps keep the mixture light. Gently fold in the apples and cinnamon. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cheesecake. One common mistake is skipping the cooling step. Letting the crust cool a bit is key. If you pour the filling on a hot crust, it can melt and mix too much. Another mistake is underbaking. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. Finally, don’t rush the chilling time. These bars need at least 2 hours in the fridge to set properly. Serve these bars with extra caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice touch. You can also add whipped cream for extra creaminess. For a fun twist, pair them with vanilla ice cream. These bars are perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel. Let It Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps to set the texture perfectly, making them easier to cut. Swirl the Caramel: When swirling the caramel into the cheesecake, use a knife to create beautiful marbling, but be careful not to overmix, which can blend the flavors too much. Finish with Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the bars. {{image_2}} You can choose different apples to change the taste. Granny Smith apples give a tart kick. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch. Fuji apples are juicy and sweet, perfect for a lighter flavor. Mix and match apples for a fun twist. Try adding some pears for a different fruit flavor. Explore what you like best! Nuts can add a great crunch to your bars. Walnuts or pecans work well in this recipe. Chop them finely and fold them into the cheesecake mix. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Dried cranberries or raisins can bring a chewy texture. Always make sure to check for nut allergies when sharing! Toppings can enhance the look and taste of your bars. Besides caramel sauce, try chocolate sauce for extra sweetness. Whipped cream can lighten up the dessert. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. Top with fresh apples for a pretty finish. You can even use a drizzle of honey for a floral note. Let your creativity shine with your toppings! Store your caramel apple cheesecake bars in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and prevents sogginess. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This avoids sticky messes. Keep the container in the fridge. These bars taste best chilled. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for later. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps air out and prevents freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. You can store them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. These cheesecake bars last about five days in the fridge. If you want to reheat them, do it gently. You can use a microwave or a warm oven. Heat them in short bursts. This way, they won't get too warm or melt. Enjoy them cold or slightly warm, depending on your taste! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They taste even better after chilling. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge. Cut them into squares right before serving. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. If you want a change, try using chocolate sauce or butterscotch sauce. Both add a sweet touch. You can also make a quick homemade caramel. Just melt some sugar until it turns golden. Add butter and cream for a rich flavor. Check the center for doneness. It should be set but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. If it still looks wet, give it a few more minutes. Remember, they will firm up as they cool. You now have everything to make delicious cheesecake bars. We covered must-have ingredients, step-by-step baking, and helpful tips. Remember to avoid common mistakes for a perfect texture. Feel free to try different apple types or mix-ins for unique flavors. Store wisely to keep your bars fresh and tasty. Making these bars ahead is easy, and you can switch sauces too. Enjoy sharing these treats, as they are sure to impress everyone. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel apple twist, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely chopped apples
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 pinch sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
  • Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Gently fold in the chopped apples and cinnamon, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature.
  • Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely. When ready to serve, cut into squares and drizzle with additional caramel sauce, then sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a delicious contrast.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake, dessert