Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – A Delightful Treat
Creating delicious desserts doesn’t have to be complicated. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet, caramel-drizzled apples, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients List:
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For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
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For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
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For the apple topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
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Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.
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Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
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Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
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Spread the filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
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Prepare the apple topping: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake filling.
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Bake the cheesecake bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
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Add caramel: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top before slicing into bars.
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Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with friends and family!
Pro Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Swaps: Feel free to use any variety of apples you have on hand. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith work particularly well for a balanced flavor.
- Meal Prep: These bars can be made ahead of time. Just prepare and refrigerate for up to a day before serving.
Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer:
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|————–|———-|———|——-|—–|——–|——–|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings:
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. For an indulgent treat, pair with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A dollop of whipped cream on top.
- A warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider to complement the flavors.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with Oreo crumbs or a shortbread crust for a different flavor.
Q: What type of apples should I use?
A: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples are excellent choices due to their flavor and texture.
Q: How long will the bars stay fresh?
A: The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal flavor.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bars. Just cover them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and be sure to check that other ingredients are gluten-free.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet caramel-drizzled apples, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, followed by eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Spread over the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set and edges are golden.
- Cool completely, drizzle caramel sauce on top, then slice into bars.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can use different types of apples for a varied taste.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
